Cape porcupine

We have a pair of Cape porcupines here at Paignton Zoo, a male called Comet and a female called Luna. The pair came to us from Lotherton Zoo in Leeds in July 2024, and live in our Arid Lands exhibit.

Cape PorcupineHystrix africaeaustralis

  • Class:

    Mammals

  • Order:

    Rodentia

  • Family:

    Hystricidae

About the Cape porcupine

Cape porcupines are native to sub-Saharan Africa, and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, forests and rocky areas. These rodents primarily eat fruits, roots, tubers, bulbs, and bark.

Conservation

The Cape Porcupine is currently listed as a Least Concern species, due to its wide distribution, presumed large population, and its occurrence in a number of protected areas.

However, it’s worth noting that their population is decreasing in some regions due to habitat loss and hunting.

Interesting facts