Porcupine

The Cape porcupine is the largest rodent in Southern Africa and a nocturnal creature equipped with a remarkable defense system.

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When threatened, a porcupine does not shoot its quills. Instead, it will raise and fan out its long quills to appear larger. It vigorously rattles the hollow quills on its tail to create a warning rattle. If the predator persists, the porcupine will stamp its feet, grunt loudly, and then reverse charge with surprising speed, jabbing its attacker with the sharp quills. These quills are loosely attached and easily dislodge upon contact, with backward-facing barbs that make them extremely painful and difficult to remove.

Primarily a herbivore, it uses its strong claws and powerful incisors to dig for roots, tubers, and bark, playing an important role in its ecosystem.