Project Description

Flemish Giant Rabbit
Origin: Africa, Europe and Asia

Latin Name: Hystrix cristata

Habitat: Hilly, rocky habitats

Diet: Fruit, roots, tubers, bark and insects

Lifespan: Up to 20 years

Average Size: Weight: 15-20kg, Length: 83cm

Characteristics:

The crested porcupine is a species of ro-dent with the entire body covered with dark brown bristles or quills. The quills are nor-mally flat pointing backwards measuring up to 33cm long. When danger threatens the porcupine raises and broadens them out to form a painfully protective barrier between itself and a predator. The quill tips have scales which act like fish hooks making them difficult and painful to dislodge.