Planning a trip to Rietvlei Nature Reserve? Download opspoor to see recent sightings in the park and log your own.
When to see Cape Porcupine in Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Cape Porcupine are most active at night (19:00 to 05:00). Much of their activity falls outside gate hours, so the first drive after the gates open and the last hour before they close give you the best chance.
This is Cape Porcupine's general behavior. Once enough sightings are logged in Rietvlei Nature Reserve, this page also shows when they're actually seen here.
About the Porcupine (Cape)
The Cape porcupine is the largest rodent in southern Africa and is recognised by its heavy body, black-and-white quills, crest of longer bristles and short tail with specialised hollow quills. It is primarily nocturnal and occurs in a wide range of habitats, including savanna, grassland, woodland and rocky areas. It is mainly herbivorous, feeding on roots, bulbs, tubers, bark, fruits and other vegetation. Porcupines are generally encountered singly or in pairs and shelter in burrows, caves or rocky crevices during the day.
How to identify the Porcupine (Cape)
Large, heavily built rodent with a dark brown to black coat, short legs and prominent black-and-white quills along the back and sides. The quills become longer toward the rear and are raised when threatened.
Other species to look for in Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Other parks where you can see Cape Porcupine
Heading to Rietvlei Nature Reserve? opspoor shows where Cape Porcupine have been logged recently and lets you log your own, even with no signal.