Details
Hystrix cristata
African crested porcupine is a mammal associated with grasslands, savannas and forests. It is herbivorous and often found in pairs. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Its range is represented here by the Afrotropics and the Palearctic, where it uses grasslands, savannas and forests. Mobile species may shift habitat use with season, breeding sites, or food availability.
Typical length 60-83 cm, weight 13 kg-27 kg. It has a small agile rodent-like build, with proportions shaped by its habitat and mode of movement.
It is mostly active at night and often found in pairs. Spacing, group size, and visibility can change with season, feeding conditions, and breeding activity.
It is herbivorous. Food choice and foraging style are tied to life in grasslands, savannas and forests, so movements often follow available food resources.
As a mammal, it gives birth to live young, and the mother nurses them in cover or within the social group.
Recorded scientifically as Hystrix cristata. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters. In this guide, size, habitat, and activity pattern are useful first clues for recognition.
