SOUTH AFRICAN PORCUPINK 



105 



A pair in the Pretoria Zoo have regularly given birth to 

 two litters a year, the number being two at a birth, with 

 the exception of two occasions — once when three were 

 born and again only one young one. The third young one 

 of the litter was not reared however. The male is a good 

 father, and if any interference with his family is attempted 



Fig. 32. — Porcupines and Young. 



he will fly out of his house and approach sideways, rattling 

 his quills in a threatening manner, the sound somewhat 

 resembling a motor car being started up. The young 

 when born are about the size of a three-quarter grown 

 hedgehog, the quills being about three-quarters of an inch 

 long and quite soft. 



