Porcupine

The Porcupine is a large rodent weighing up to 16 kg. They have parts of the body covered with long bristles and spikes. The spikes, which can grow up to 50 cm long, is a defence mechanism and can break off and pierce an attacker's skin. The spikes on the porcupine are not toxic, but the wounds can become infected, hence becoming lethal even for lions and leopards. Porcupines warn other animals of their presence by rattling the spikes.

The South African Porcupine is only nocturnal and spends the day in underground caves which varies from dense forest to semi-desert. The feed is mostly roots, fruits and berries. In agricultural areas the porcupine is known to eat crops such as potatoes, peanuts and corn, making it a hunted animal.

Hunting Porcupine

It is advisable to shoot this wild species with a shotgun or .22 Magnum.

Side By Side Safaris exclusive hunting lodge is located in the middle of a hunting area for the Porcupine, which can be hunted directly from the lodge.

 
Porcupine

Facts - Porcupine

  • NAME: PORCUPINE

  • SCIENTIFIC NAME: ATHERURUS AFRICANUS

  • WEIGHT MALE: 5,4-16 KG

  • WEIGHT FEMALE: 5,4-16 KG

  • BODY LENGTH MALE: 64-91 CM

  • BODY LENGTH FEMALE: 64-91 CM

Porcupine
Porcupine