Want to know where and when to find Porcupine (Cape)? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.
Where to see Cape Porcupine in South Africa
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.
Did you know?
Cape Porcupines do not shoot their quills. When threatened, they raise and rattle them and may charge backwards into a predator, causing the quills to detach on contact.
Also known as: Ystervark, Cape Porcupine, Porcupine
Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Cape Porcupine, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.