Porcupine

Family Erethizontidae

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  Coendou

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  Sphiggurus

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  Erethizon

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  Echinoprocta

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Family Hystricidae

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  Atherurus

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  Hystrix

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  Thecurus

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  Trichys

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Porcupines are rodents known for their coat of sharp spines, or quills, that defend it from predators. The porcupines include the third largest rodent, after the capybara and the mara. Most porcupines are about 60-90 cm (25-36 inches) long, with an 20-25 cm (8-10 inch) long tail. Weighing between 5-16 kg (12-35 pounds), they are rounded, large and slow. Porcupines come in various shades of brown and the unusual white. The name "porcupine" comes from combining the Latin for pig and French for spine, hence the nickname "quill pig" for the animal.

Related Topics:
Rodent - Capybara - Mara - Latin - French

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In parts of Africa, porcupines are eaten as a form of bush meat.

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