The Debrecen Zoo has some extraordinary and long-awaited news to share with you as two healthy offspring were born to our Cape porcupine pair on February 27. Though they had not met each other before their arrival last summer, introductions went great and they seem to have absolutely made themselves at home here. Before welcoming them as our first-ever Cape porcupines we used to be home to crested porcupines, but this is the very first time we have ever managed to breed these charismatic giant rodents. Yet to be sexed, the little twins are sure to remain behind the scenes indoors for the weeks to come but will venture outside as soon as the weather warms up for spring.
Native to savannahs and forests in South Africa, Cape porcupines (Hystrix africaeaustralis) are the largest rodents on the continent, feeding mainly on various plant parts but also observed to gnaw on an occasional bone or carcass. They also venture into cultivated fields and feed on crops, hence they’re being regarded as pests in several areas. Despite foraging for food solitarily at night, they actually live in strictly monogamous pairs that scent-mark and protect their territories and rear their young together. When in danger, they will first give fair warning by stomping, hissing, rattling their tail, and rustling their needle-sharp quills, ultimately charging at their attacker backward or sideways, potentially causing serious stab wounds.
Due to overhunting in some areas, Cape porcupines are included in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List. A true zoo rarity in Hungary, they are currently only exhibited in our zoo.
Debrecen Zoo
