African Crested Porcupine
Hystrix cristata
Classification
Kingdom Animalia- All members of animalia are multicellular, heterotrophs(means they rely directly on other organisms for their nourishment), and all of them are capable of movement in some stage of their life.
Phylum Chordata- All members in this group have bilateral symmetry, closed blood system, and a hard bony endoskeleton.
Subphylum Vertebrata- Has organisms that have a ventral heart with about 2-4 chambers, a digestive system with large digestive glands, and a cartilaginous endoskeleton.
Class Mammalia- Members in this class have specialized hair called whiskers or "vibrissae", have colored hair, and have a additional protective layer that plays a role in defense.
Order Rodentia- Members in this level of classification have strong dentition, blade of chisel, and have a main healthy muscle.
Family Hystricidae- Members in this family have strong forelimbs and hindlimbs, have quills, and have long skulls.
Genus Hystrix- This genus only includes the crested porcupine.
Species- Hystrix cristata
Natural Range Map
The Side View
It's Quills
General Description
Length- The average length of this animal is about 600-930 mm long with a tail extending to be about 80-170 mm long.
Weight- The average mass of the Crested Porcupine is about 0.02 kg or 0.04 lbs.
Color- Usually for a male and female there would be a dark brown color on their body and belly, and there is really no difference for the child either.
Natural Range- Found along the mediterranean coast of Africa to northern Zaire and Tanzania
Diet- Usually eat tree bark, leaves, roots, branches, berries, or any type of grassy food
Habitat- Live in areas such as caves, mountains, rocky areas, and hot regions
Predators- Crested porcupines' children and themselves are in high risk from dangerous animals like lions and leopards
Physical Adaptations
Behavioral Adaptations
References
Burton, M. (2002). Crested porcupine. In M. Burton (Author), International wildlife encyclopedia (3rd ed., Vol. 5, pp. 595-597). New York, NY: Marshall Cavendish.
Crested Porcupine. (n.d.). Retrieved March 24, 2015, from Edmonton website: http://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_events/edmonton_valley_zoo/animals/african-crested-porcupine.aspx
Elsbeth McPhee, M. (2003, May 22). Hystrix cristata north african porcupine. Retrieved March 11, 2015, from Animal Diversity Web website: http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Hystrix_cristata/
Porcupine [Fact sheet]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20, 2015, from National Geographic website: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/porcupine/
Cinncinati Zoo. (n.d.). African Crested Porcupine-Cincinnati Zoo [Video file].
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kjh5MGZna1E