Porcupine hunting in Africa

If you are looking for a game hunting adventure with a difference, then perhaps a night hunt for the Cape porcupine is right up your street! Hunting in the wild has never been as exhilarating as seeking out this nocturnal rodent seen by many farmers as a pest due to its destructive feeding habits on their root crops, potatoes, and maize. It’s a case of almost “anything goes” for firepower – air rifles, spears, or a small caliber rifle. At present, Cape porcupines are listed as being of “least concern” by the IUCN.

The African Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis), also known as the Cape Porcupine, is the largest rodent in Africa and the world’s largest porcupine. Weighing 22-53 pounds, with larger specimens reaching 66 pounds, this rodent is known to inhabit habitats from sea level to 6,600 feet. They are, however, not found in swampland areas and are not too fond of dense forests and deserts.

Cape porcupines inhabit the savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrublands and grasslands, artificial or terrestrial plantations, rural gardens, and arable lands. Their shelter during the day includes caves, abandoned burrows, or other types of holes that they have modified to suit their particular requirements,

These creatures are monogamous, actively reproducing throughout the year. Porcupines are nocturnal and live alone, coming together in pairs to breed and raise their young. Breeding happens between spring and summer in the southern hemisphere. Females give birth to one baby, called a porcupette.

They tend to shuffle and walk slowly but can run fast when needed but are unable to jump or climb trees.

Cape porcupines are mainly vegetarian, living on roots and bulbs. They use their strong claws to dig and forage for food. They are unable to climb trees, but enjoy fallen fruits and even sometimes gnaw on tree bark. They have eaten carrion in some instances. In areas deficient in phosphorous, they practice osteophagia or gnawing on bones and accumulate large piles of bones in their dens.