porcupines they are mammalyou rodents with bodies covered by several pointed structures, popularly called thorns, which stand out as an important form of defense for these animals.
Different species are popularly called porcupine, such as cohend (sphiggurus) insidious, cohend (sphiggurus) melanurus, Coendo nycthemera, Coendou prehensilis, cohend (sphiggurus) roosmalenorum, cohend (sphiggurus) spinosus, cohend (sphiggurus) villosus, Hystrix cristata, European Erinaceus and Erethizon dorsatum. Next, we will know some general characteristics of this group of animals.
Read more: Classification of mammals - there are three subclasses: Allotheria, prototheria and theria
General characteristics of porcupines
the porcupines are land mammals rodents that stand out for the presence of a body full of pointed structures, popularly known as thorns. The spines of porcupines are actually by the modified, which stand out for being very hard.
Those thorns have no toxic substances, however, help to protect the animal by being able to penetrate the skin of the predators, causing injuries. These injuries can serve as a gateway to bacteria Responsible for infections. Without proper treatment, these injuries can even lead to death. The defense through the thorns is important, since these animals are not fast or agile.
Do porcupines shed their spines?
It is important to make clear that the porcupine don't throw your thorns as a form of defense. As the spines are loosely attached to the animal's body, they detach easily, catching on the victim's body and detaching themselves from the porcupine's body.
New World and Old World hedgehogs
The Hedgehogs of the Family erethizontidaeare known as New World hedgehogs. In this family, according to The Animal Diversity Web, 12 species are recognized, which are within four genera. These animals are found in america. The porcupines of the New World are characterized by being nocturnal animals and that they live, generally, alone or in pairs. Are found in different habitat, such as forests, open pastures and even deserts. Some species have a prehensile tail, which helps them to attach themselves to trees.
The porcupines belonging to the family Hystricidityare known as Old World hedgehogs. In this family, according to The Animal Diversity Web, we find three genera and 11 species, which are distributed by Africa and Asia. Unlike the porcupines observed in America, they are not able to climb trees, but they are excellent diggers.
Porcupines feeding
THE food of porcupines varies according to the species analyzed. In general, New World hedgehogs feed on plant material. Sheets, stems, roots, seeds, flowers and fruits are part of the diet of these animals.
Some species feed on tree bark and can even kill the plant. They can also feed on insects and small reptiles. In relation to the Old World porcupines, these feed on plant material and also carrion. It is common to find, near the burrow of these animals, gnawed bones.
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Threats to porcupines
Porcupines, as well as a wide variety of other animals, are threatened by human action. THE destruction of its habitat, for example, is responsible for putting its population. In addition hunting it is also harmful to these animals.
In some regions of the planet, they are hunted for meat and also called bezoars — undigested plant material that accumulates in your viscera. Bezoars, marketed mainly in China, are known to have medicinal properties, although there is no scientific evidence for these properties.
We must also mention that some species are responsible for damage to crops, which causes many farmers to kill these animals to protect their harvest.
