Old World Porcupines
Old World Porcupines
Hystricidae
The Stout, Spiny Rodents of Africa and Asia: Old World Porcupines (Hystricidae) are large, terrestrial rodents known for their impressive coat of sharp quills, used as a powerful defense against predators. Found throughout Africa, parts of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, these porcupines inhabit diverse habitats, from forests and grasslands to rocky hills and deserts. There are about 11 recognized species of Old World Porcupines, including the Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata), Indian Porcupine (Hystrix indica), and Malayan Porcupine (Hystrix brachyura). They are generally stocky animals with short limbs, small eyes, and long whiskers, measuring between 60–90 cm (24–35 in) in body length and weighing up to 30 kg (66 lbs). Their most striking feature is their quills — modified hairs coated with keratin. These quills vary in length and thickness and cannot be shot at predators, contrary to popular belief. Instead, when threatened, porcupines raise their quills, stamp their feet, rattle hollow tail quills, and may charge backward to impale attackers. Old World Porcupines are mainly herbivorous, feeding on roots, bulbs, fruits, bark, and sometimes cultivated crops, which can lead to conflicts with farmers. They are mostly nocturnal and use their strong claws and teeth for digging burrows or accessing underground food. They are generally solitary or live in small family groups. During the day, they rest in burrows or caves, emerging at night to forage. Despite their defensive adaptations, Old World Porcupines face threats from habitat loss and hunting for their meat and quills in some regions.