Hystrix cristata Linnaeus, 1758.

This large, heavy rodent averages over 60 cm in length. The back and tail are covered with long, round, hollow black and white quills; the quills of the tail are loose and are specially adapted to rattle. The eyes are small, and the small rounded ears are partly hidden by the hair of the forehead. The Porcupine inhabits mountainous semi-desert areas with good growth of trees and vegetation and feeds on roots, bulbs, fallen fruits, and cultivated crops. It rarely climbs trees but is able to swim; it is strictly nocturnal. The gestation period is 112 days after which one or two young are born. It is now rare in Egypt and is found only in northeastern Sinai. Its general distribution is from southern Europe, across North Africa and into parts of sub-Saharan Africa.