Crested Porcupine
Common Name:
African Crested Porcupine
Scientific Name:
Hystrix cristata
IUCN Status:
Least Concern
Meerkats and Porcupines off Exhibit
The Zoo is upgrading the Meerkat and Porcupine habitat at the Small Mammal House. The meerkats and porcupines will be off exhibit January 20 - 25 during the habitat upgrades.
Risks: Risks to crested porcupines include habitat loss, farm pests and being hunted for their quills.
Diet: Crested porcupine's diet consists of tubers, bark, bulbs, fallen fruit and roots.
Height: 60 to 83 cm body length.
Weight: 13 to 27 kg
Lifespan: Crested porcupines live an average of 18 to 22 years.
Fun Facts
- A baby porcupine is called a porcupette.
- Crested porcupines are agile in water and exceptionally good swimmers.
- A porcupine has up to 30,000 quills on its body. They cannot 'throw' their quills.
About Us
In the Small Mammal house you will find Rattle, Barbara and Rene.