All Animals

Cape Porcupine

Hystrix africaeaustralia
Mammal

Encounter me

Step into the world of our cape porcupine and unlock the wonders of these extraordinary creatures

An image of a Cape Porcupine, eating seeds off a tree stump

The cape porcupine is the world's largest porcupine, a heavily built animal with a stocky body, short limbs and an inconspicuous tail, the body is covered in long spines and sharp defence quills.  

When threatened they will growl, snort and grunt. Otherwise communicating through snuffling noises and stomping their feet.  

Cape porcupines are nocturnal and monogamous, typically living as a mated pair of adults, caring for any young together.  

Quick facts

Distribution:

Central and Southern Africa

Habitat:

Woodlands, grasslands, deserts, rocky hills

Conservation Status:

Least concern

Fun fact

Cape porcupine defence quills are hollow, and they can rattle to scare away predators. Contrary to popular belief, quills cannot be 'fired' at enemies, but will loosely embed in their skin upon contact.