Porcupines

Old World porcupines of Africa and Asia are often smaller than New World ones and are more apt to have more than one offspring at time. Their tails are structured so that they make a rattling sound when moved, giving warning to an approaching predator.

The brush-tailed porcupines (Atherurus) have thin tails that end in a brush of white hair. They have more bristles—thick, coarse hair—than quills, which are located only on the back. They climb trees, especially when going after fruit. The long-tailed porcupine (Trichys fasciculata ) of Malaysia lacks the rotund body of most porcupines and looks more like a rat. Its few quills cannot be rattled.

The crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) of Africa has quills that may be as much as 12 in (30 cm) long.

The hair on its head and shoulders stands up like a crest, which is so coarse as to look like more quills. Crested porcupines are more versatile in their habitats than most animals. They can live in desert, damp forest, open grasslands, and even rocky terrain. Old World Porcupines are regarded as good eating by native people.