The All Creatures Podcast

In this episode, we dive back into the world of one of Africa’s most underrated mammals — the African Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata). With its striking quills and surprising ecological role, this rodent is far more than meets the eye. The African Crested Porcupine is the largest porcupine species in the world and one of the largest rodents in Africa. Native to a wide range of habitats across central and southern Africa, this nocturnal forager is known for its bold defense mechanisms and unique adaptations. While commonly associated with sub-Saharan Africa, it’s also found in parts of North Africa and was introduced to Italy centuries ago — making it one of the only porcupine species in Europe today. Despite their shy and solitary behavior, African Crested Porcupines play a crucial role in their ecosystems. As herbivores and scavengers, they help control plant growth and recycle calcium into the soil by gnawing on bones — a behavior known as osteophagy. Their digging also contributes to soil aeration,