Porcupine

Porcupine

Porcupines are rodentian mammals with a coat of sharp spines, or quills, that protect against predators. They are indigenous to the Americas, southern Asia, and Africa. Porcupines are the third largest of the rodents, behind the capybara and the beaver. Most porcupines are about 25–36 in (64–91 cm) long, with an 8–10 in (20–25 cm) long tail. Weighing 12–35 lb (5.4–15.9 kg), they are rounded, large, and slow, and are equipped with powerful forelimbs.

Taxonomy and evolution

Porcupines belong to the family Erethizontidae and Hystricidae. The name "porcupine" comes from Latin porcus pig + spina spine, quill, via Old Italian—Middle French—Middle English.

Physical characteristics

Porcupines' spiny protection resembles that of the unrelated erinaceomorph hedgehogs and monotreme echidnas. The common porcupine is an herbivore. It eats leaves, herbs, twigs, and green plants like clover. In the winter, it may eat bark. It often climbs trees to find food.

Behavior and ecology

Porcupines use the quills as a defense. They can be raised into a crest or flattened against the body as the animal sees fit. The quills are not poisonous, but they do carry bacteria. If a quill is touched, it can be released by contact or may drop out when the porcupine shakes its body. New quills grow to replace lost ones.

Human interaction

Porcupines are considered by some to be a pest because of the damage that they often inflict on trees and wooden and leather objects. Their quills can be dangerous to humans and animals.

See also

• Erethizontidae
• Hystricidae
• Rodent

External links

• National Geographic - Porcupines

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  Porcupine

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  Porcupine in Yalta Zoo

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  Porcupine quills

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  Porcupine in the wild

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  Tree climbing porcupines

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  Porcupine illustration from Marco Polo manuscript

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  Porcupine in Maine