104 SOUTH AFIIICAN MAMMALS 



Hystrix africae-australis. South African Porcupine. 

 Ijzer-vark. 



Colour dark brownish-black, the fore and under parts 

 of the body being covered with long bristly hair; on the 

 rest of the upper portion the bristles become modified 

 into the true quills, which are stiff, sharp, and banded 

 with dark brown and white. Length of head and body 

 2 feet, tail about 5 inches. 



FIG. 31. Albino Porcupine. 



The Porcupine is found all over Southern Africa. It 

 is nocturnal in habits, coming out at night to feed, 

 although this is not the case with animals in captivity, 

 who come out at all hours and will feed before sunset. 

 They are reported as good eating by those who have tried 

 it, but as they are very often infested with fleas and ticks, 

 I have never brought myself to attempt the delicacy. 



