Brazilian Porcupine

The Brazilian Porcupine (Coendou prehensilis) is a porcupine found in tropical forests in Mexico and throughout much of South America.

The body is covered with short, thick spines which are whitish or yellowish in color, mixed with the darker hair, while the underside is grayish. The tail is less spiny and is prehensile, with the tip curling upward so as to get a better grip on the branches of trees. All four feet have four toes apiece, which are clawed to be able to hold on to branches firmly. This porcupine can grow to forty inches long, but half of that is tail. It weighs about nine pounds. No spines are found on the tail, which is long (330-485 mm) and prehensile. Feet are reflective of their arboreal lifestyle, with long-clawed digits.

Behavior

This shy, nocturnal porcupine is solitary or lives in pairs in the branches of trees. It rarely descends to the ground, but it shows little fear if it happens to be caught. It is not aggressive but will defend itself ferociously if attacked. Its diet consists of leaves, fruit, and small fresh twigs and shoots. This creature can easily be tamed enough to be kept in captivity. During the day, individuals rest in trees at a height of 6-10 meters. Intra-specific interactions consist of biting and attempts to injure adversaries with their sharp quills. When excited, porcupines stamp their hind feet. Vocalizations consist of growls and cries. If caught, these porcupines roll into a ball. The prehensile tail is used to curl around branches when climbing.

Reproduction

As a rule the female gives birth to a single young in the spring. The newborn porcupine is covered with red hairs and small spines, which harden shortly after birth.