If an African brush-tailed porcupine is approached while eating alone it becomes quite nervous and may rattle its tail quills or stomp the ground.

They really like it dark! If the moon is too bright they won’t even leave their den!

African Brush-Tailed Porcupine

Atherurus africanus

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

The African brush-tailed porcupine grows up to three feet long and weighs as much as eight pounds. It has an elongated rat-like face and its body is covered with quills. At the end of its short legs are webbed feet that are tipped with claws. On its tail are quills, which are lighter and smaller than most porcupines.

HABITAT

Native to Western and Central Africa, this species of porcupine is typically found in higher elevations, especially in forested areas of Africa, but below 7,400 feet in altitude. They won’t burrow their own den or sleeping place, and prefer to make their home in caves, crevices, fallen trees and burrows.

DIET IN THE WILD

Primarily herbivores, African brush-tailed porcupines will eat bark and roots, and also leaves, bulbs and fruits. Rarely, an African brush-tailed porcupine has been observed feeding on an animal carcass.

BEHAVIOR

African brush-tailed porcupines are nocturnal – they spend their time awake at night, and sleep during the day. They live in small family groups or eight or so, and share resources and food. When attacked by a predator, the porcupine raises its quills to appear twice its size, and will rattle its tail quills and stomp its feet.

STATUS IN THE WILD / CONSERVATION EFFORTS

The African brush-tailed porcupine is not territorial, and will move about to find food and other places to live if necessary. The African brush-tailed porcupine is a favorite dish of residents of Africa. However, these animals do not seem to be decreasing in numbers or threatened with extinction. They are not officially listed as an endangered species. This may be due in part in their ability to leave their habitat and relocate to a new one if resources become permanently scarce.

LIFESPAN

The average lifespan is less than 20 years, but some have been known to live as long as 23 years.