Size : 30-60 pounds, 2-3 feet head-to-tail, 5 inches tall.

Lifespan : 12-15 years.

Breeding : Mating in summer in captivity. Gestation 112 days. 2-3 young per litter. 2-3 litters per year.

Habits : Solitary, sometimes in pairs.

Diet : Variety of plants, roots, and fruit.

    The African Crested Porcupine is a large, stout rodent with small eyes, a blunt rounded head, and erect quills which cover its crown, back and flanks.  It is nocturnal, and it has bad eyesight, so it relies on its sense of smell and strong hearing to find food.  It uses its paws to hold food while eating and it will keep an assortment of bones in its burrow to knaw on.
    Very few animals will attack the porcupine because of its sharp quills.  It can be dangerous when cornered and threatened.  It will raise its quills and charge backwards, lodging loosely attached quills in its attacker. Contrary to popular belief, it does not shoot quills at its enemy. The quills may cause deep wounds and may even prove fatal.  At one time they were used by some African tribes as arrow tips or as darts.
    The porcupine creates large burrows that may be used by a variety of other animals.  Courtship between male and female porcupines consists of them licking each other. Baby porcupines are covered with bristles and soft quills when they are born, which harden within a few hours.  Babies are then nursed, and in two weeks, they are ready for solid food.