Quills represent specialized morphological structures evolved by some mammal species to deter predators. Among quilled mammals, crested porcupines Hystrix spp. exhibit the most complex armor. The antipredator behavior of these rodents is poorly known. In this study, we describe in detail the defense strategies of Hystrix cristata when attacked by hunting dogs. We identified four kinds of display exhibited by porcupines. Tail rattling seems to be sufficient to repel solitary predators, while backyard/sideways attacks are exhibited only in extreme situations, or when numerical disparity among potential prey and predators occurs. We also report four cases of wild species killing by porcupines.
When quills kill: the defense strategy of the crested porcupine Hystrix cristata L., 1758
Mori Emiliano;
2014
Abstract
Quills represent specialized morphological structures evolved by some mammal species to deter predators. Among quilled mammals, crested porcupines Hystrix spp. exhibit the most complex armor. The antipredator behavior of these rodents is poorly known. In this study, we describe in detail the defense strategies of Hystrix cristata when attacked by hunting dogs. We identified four kinds of display exhibited by porcupines. Tail rattling seems to be sufficient to repel solitary predators, while backyard/sideways attacks are exhibited only in extreme situations, or when numerical disparity among potential prey and predators occurs. We also report four cases of wild species killing by porcupines.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
