By Obiabin Onukwugha
Porcupines are large rodents known for their sharp spines, or quills, which serve as protection against predators. These animals typically inhabit wooded areas and some species spend most of their lives in trees. Despite having poor vision, porcupines rely on their excellent sense of smell and are primarily active at night, making them nocturnal. Due to their poor sight, they often struggle to identify the direction of potential threats.
In Nigeria, porcupines are called different names across regions: Hausas refer to them as “naman alade,” Igbos call them “Ebi Ogwu,” and Yorubas name them “Òòrẹ̀.” Although porcupines are hard to prey on because of their quills, they do have a vulnerable soft underbelly. Predators that have adapted to bypass these quills include lynx, bobcats, coyotes, wolves, wolverines, great horned owls, mountain lions, and fishers.
Porcupines generally have a lifespan of 5-7 years in the wild but can live up to 18 years in human care. Their reproductive rate is low due to their long gestation period, which is notably lengthy for a rodent. Porcupines may not reproduce every year, and females typically give birth to just one baby after reaching sexual maturity at two or three years old. These animals also contribute to forest ecology by disturbing the soil while foraging, which promotes ecological stability and provides food for predators.
Why Porcupines Have Spikes
Long ago, Porcupine was considered the most handsome creature among the animals, with a magnificent coat of fur. Because of his beauty, many animals admired him, and Porcupine grew boastful. One day, while speaking to Jackal, Porcupine bragged that if all animals were as beautiful as he was, the world would be a much better place. Annoyed by this remark, Jackal decided to ruin Porcupine’s beauty.
Several days later, Jackal met Porcupine again and said, “In that thorn thicket beyond the waterhole lives an nganga with powerful medicines that can make you look even more beautiful than you do now. Go over and seek his help. But leave your handsome coat of fur with me so that it will not get spoiled.” The vain Porcupine fell for Jackal’s trick. He removed his admired coat and left it with Jackal before heading toward the patch of thorns.
As Porcupine pushed his way into the thorny patch, he was badly pricked by the spikes. When he tried to back out, the process was painful, and many of the thorns broke off, becoming lodged in his skin. Laughing, Jackal ran off with Porcupine’s beautiful coat, saying, “You’ll never get your lovely coat over those ugly spines!”
To this day, the cunning Jackal still wears the porcupine’s thick, handsome fur. This is why porcupines only come out after dark, as they are mocked by the other animals who remember how boastful Porcupine once was about his looks.