Meet Tandoori, L’Autre and Pic, our prickly porcupines!
Found across Asia and the Middle East, Indian crested porcupines are a nocturnal rodent species, and one of the largest porcupine species. They have large black and white quills on their body, made of keratin, to use as defence against predators. When feeling threated, they shake their shorter quills to make a rattling sound and raise the larger spines on their back to make them appear much bigger. Whilst they can’t shoot out their quills, they do detach on contact so can get embedded in any predators that try and attack them.
Animal facts
Key facts about the Indian crested porcupine
I’m found in Asia and the middle east
Indian crested porcupines are well adapted to live in many environments, from rocky hills to grasslands.
I am a herbivore
They eat a range of fruits, grains, roots and plants.
I am an expert digger
With strong front legs, they dig extensive burrows underground.
20 years
average lifespan
11-18kg
average weight
50cm
quill length
Help us care for our porcupines