The African/Eurasian porcupines are a totally different family of rodents than the smaller, tree-climbing American porcupines. They are ground-dwelling/-feeding. Both have quills. Shown here is the largest species, the African Crested Porcupine, prevalent in parts of southern Italy as well as north and sub-Saharan Africa. The name porcupine means pig with spines.

When under threat from a perceived predator (large carnivore or human), they raise and rattle their quills. If necessary, they reverse charge the enemy to stab with their quills and can kill.

With quills raised.

Mainly nocturnal and mainly vegetarian, they also collect bones in their dens to gnaw on for calcium and to keep their front teeth from overgrowing.

Usually dark brown or black, white and off-white porcupines occur but are rare.

They live in family groups and are monogamous.

The similar-looking Indian Crested Porcupine, also called Asian or just Indian Porcupine, is native to the Middle East and South Asia.