About the Porcupine (African)
The African porcupine—specifically the African crested porcupine is one of the largest rodents on earth. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and parts of the Mediterranean, this nocturnal herbivore can grow up to 33 inches long and weigh over 60 pounds.
Renowned for their spectacular defense mechanisms, these animals are covered in up to 30,000 modified hairs and sharp quills that can measure up to 13 inches in length. Contrary to popular myth, they do not “shoot” their quills. Instead, when threatened, they raise their crest to double their perceived size, stamp their feet, and rattle specialized hollow quills on their tail to create a hissing warning sound. If the predator persists, the porcupine will run backward to ram the attacker, embedding the quills, which easily release upon contact.
As nocturnal foragers, they use an excellent sense of smell and hearing to root around for bulbs, tubers, roots, and fallen fruits. Because their teeth continually grow, they habitually gnaw on hard objects, including animal bones, which they collect and stockpile in their underground burrows. They are highly social and monogamous, often living in small family groups called “prickles” where they raise their young—affectionately known as “porcupettes”—who are born with soft quills that harden shortly after birth.
Suitable Weapons
If specifically targeting the African Porcupine, use the .17 HMR, .22 LR, or .22 Magnum.
Hunting Area
African porcupines can be hunted in: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
They can also be hunt on a few high-fence hunting preserves in Texas.