Animal Behavior: Small family groups share an elaborate burrow system. Individuals may remain in burrows through winter but don't truly hibernate. They are terrestrial, rarely climb trees, but are able to swim. The quills serve as an effective defense mehanism. When disturbed they raise and fan quills to create an illusion of greater size. If disturbance continues, they stamp their feet, whirr quills and charge the enemy, back end first. 

Eating Habits: The hystrix cristata is an herbivore that eats bark, roots, tubers, rhizomes, bulbs, fallen fruits and cultivated crops, and occasionally consume insects. They commonly gnaw on bones for calcium and to sharpen incisors. 

Range: Found in Italy, Sicily, and along the Mediterranean coast of Africa to northern Zaire and Tanzania. Highly adaptable being found in forests, rocky areas, mountains, croplands and sandhill deserts.

Conservation Efforts: Hystrix cristata are listed as endangered. 

Animal Facts: The meat of these animals is considered a delicacy. Porcupine quills are often used as ornaments and talismans. Attacks from porcupines have been known to kill lions, leopard, hyenas, and humans.