Crested Porcupine

Hystrix cristata

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Rodentia · Hystricidae

About

The crested porcupine, also known as the African crested porcupine, is a species of rodent in the family Hystricidae native to Italy, North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Alongside the Cape porcupine, it is one of the largest porcupine species in the world.

Fun Fact

Crested porcupines have been documented killing lions, leopards, and even hyenas with their quills — the barbed tips work themselves deeper into flesh over time, sometimes reaching vital organs.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Forests and scrublands

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

15-20 years

Threats

Wildfire
Illegal Logging

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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