Next up in the Nocturnal Series is another elusive, yet highly effective rodent, The Cape Porcupine. The largest rodent in Southern Africa is a very sought-after animal for many of the guides and guests that visit Londolozi. These shy-natured animals are extremely courageous when needed and are equipped with nifty built-in means to protect themselves from the most dangerous customers, their quills.
Using their sharp quills, porcupines can fend off the largest predator in Africa.
What are Quills?
Porcupines are unique in that their body is covered with long sharp quills that are highly effective when defending themselves against predators. The quills which are found on the hind end of the porcupine can get up to 30cm in length and are thick hard robust quills. A quill is a modified hair, that over time has developed into a sharp strong barbed weapon that the porcupine is able to stand up by contracting tiny muscles in the skin. Essentially it is the same process that we go through when we get goosebumps. With the quills now erect they aid in protecting the porcupine from danger. By raising their quills it also acts as a visual display making themselves seem almost double their size.
If this impressive display isn’t enough, the porcupine will swing its hind courters around to face the threat. Once swung around, the porcupine will charge rapidly backwards towards the attacker making it move quickly away in order to avoid the sharp quills. Often fending off other nocturnal animals such as leopards and lions. If they aren’t quick enough to avoid the charging porcupine, they will get embedded into the skin of the predator and can remain deeply embedded due to the numerous barbs on the tips.
Showcasing the length of their unique quills.
Extraordinary feeding habits
As mentioned above, porcupines are rodents, rodents have a novel characteristic in that their incisors grow continuously throughout their life. This is probably a byproduct of their diet which contains many harder materials such as wood, bark and tubers. An extremely tough digestive system then breaks down the fibrous materials. Some favourite foods are bulbs, roots, and fruit but it’s the bark of the tamboti tree that makes them stand out. Tamboti trees contain a milky latex that can be toxic to many animals but not the porcupine, they devour it with ease.
When their body is requiring extra minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, they are seen to chew on bones, a practice known as osteophagia, this is sure to help with maintaining and growing the extensive set of quills as well as continually growing incisors.
Camera trap photo of a porcupine paying a visit to an elephant skull. We can’t help but wonder if it was passing by to gnaw on the bones for calcium or was it simply passing by in search for some other food?
In conclusion, porcupines are truly incredible creatures, and we are incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to witness them in their natural habitat at Londolozi. These spiky wonders of the animal kingdom possess a blend of uniqueness, adaptability, and mystery.
From their impressive quills that serve as a formidable defence mechanism to their nocturnal habits and expert foraging skills, porcupines exhibit a remarkable set of traits that have allowed them to thrive in various environments. Their ability to climb trees with surprising agility and their exceptional sense of smell further add to their fascinating repertoire of skills.
It all happened so fast that all we had time to photograph was the quills as the porcupine dashed off in search of cover
The rarity of spotting a porcupine only amplifies the magic of the moment. Whether it’s catching a glimpse of their distinct silhouette against the moonlit sky or observing their curious behaviour as they go about their nightly activities, or simply seeing evidence of one having been moving around from the night before. Encountering a porcupine at Londolozi is an amazing experience that reminds us of the incredible diversity and beauty of the natural world.
Great photos and article, Patrick.
It’s really rare and difficult to see porcupines though not impossible. So I have added them to my list of animals I would like to see.
While we haven’t yet encountered a porcupine we did run into a pride of lions lazing in the shade. Two of them had porcupine quills lodged in their faces. Oy!
Hi Patrick, so glad you have mentioned the porcupine. It is a rare looking rodent and with it’s quills it is even more special. We have porcupines here on the reserve as well and I have seen them come right up to our veranda in search of food. We put food out for them and also for the antelope and bush babies. I have seen a huge porcupine and then one a little bit smaller. Could be male and female. They are very shy animals and as soon as they have eaten they run off so quickly. I have picked up a few quills that have fallen off and keep them as a sorvenioer.
Patrick, I remember seeing the video from the past of the porcupines fending of the lions. They are really unique creatures and I am sure a pleasure to have at Londolozi.
Thank you Patrick for adding the elusive porcupine to your nocturnal series. They really are a fascinating animal, well equipped to deal with the predators of the evening. It’s almost comical to watch lions recoil when in the presence of a porcupine that’s annoyed by their presence, flashing their quills in their faces. Looking forward to your next report.
Cool information and images Patrick! Thank you!
fascinating discussion. I didn’t know quills were derived from hairs. I thought they were like fingernails.