The crested porcupine is also known as the African crested porcupine and its scientific name, Hystrix cristata, refers to its crest of quills.
The crested porcupine is also known as the African crested porcupine.
The crested porcupine’s scientific name is Hystrix cristata. The specific name, cristatus, comes from Latin and means provided with a comb, relating to its crest of quills.
The crested porcupine is characterized by quills along the head, nape, and back that can be raised into a crest, in addition to sturdier quills about 35 centimeters, or 14 inches, long along the sides and back half of the body generally used for defensive purposes. These stronger quills are generally marked with alternating light and dark bands. The head, neck, shoulders, limbs and underside of the crested porcupine’s body are covered with coarse, dark brown or black bristles. There are long vibrissae on the head.
• Image | ©️ Amy the Nurse, Some Rights Reserved (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
• Sources | (Amori & De Smet, 2016; Atalar & Ceribasi, 2006; McPhee, 2003; Nowak, 1999; Storch, 1990; The Wikimedia Foundation, 2020a, 2020b; Rieger, 1990)
Learn More About the Crested Porcupine
