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Cape porcupines are the largest rodents in Africa and also the world's largest porcupines.

Cape porcupines are found across the whole of southern and central Africa

The body is covered in long spines up to 50 centimetres (20 in) in length, interspersed with thicker, sharply pointed, defence quills up to 30 centimetres (12 in) long, and with bristly, blackish or brownish fur.

The spines on the tail are hollow, and used to make a rattling sound to scare away predators.

Cape porcupines are nocturnal and monogamous, typically living as mated pairs of adults, caring for any young together.

When attacked, the porcupine freezes. If cornered, it turns vicious and charges to stab its attacker with its quills. Otherwise, the porcupine may retreat into its burrow, exposing only its quills and making it hard to dislodge.

Filename: Cape Porcupine, South Africa 210201 06883.tif
Copyright: © Shannon Wild
Image Size: 6000x4000 / 116.2MB; www.shannonwild.com; Porcupine Cape Porcupine Africa South Africa Rodent Shannon Wild
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Cape porcupines are the largest rodents in Africa and also the world's largest porcupines.<br />
<br />
Cape porcupines are found across the whole of southern and central Africa<br />
<br />
The body is covered in long spines up to 50 centimetres (20 in) in length, interspersed with thicker, sharply pointed, defence quills up to 30 centimetres (12 in) long, and with bristly, blackish or brownish fur.<br />
<br />
The spines on the tail are hollow, and used to make a rattling sound to scare away predators.<br />
<br />
Cape porcupines are nocturnal and monogamous, typically living as mated pairs of adults, caring for any young together. <br />
<br />
When attacked, the porcupine freezes. If cornered, it turns vicious and charges to stab its attacker with its quills. Otherwise, the porcupine may retreat into its burrow, exposing only its quills and making it hard to dislodge.