H. cristata Skull Replica measures 5.5 inches. H. cristata Skull Replica is museum quality polyurethane cast. 2-part skull (separate cranium & jaw). Made in the USA. Known as African Crested porcupine. Our precise skull can be used as a teaching tool, museum skull exhibit, home décor skull, or office décor skull.
The adult H. cristata has an average head and body length around 24 to 33 in. long, discounting the tail, and weighs from 29 to 60 lb.
Almost the entire body is covered with bristles which are either dark brown or black and rather coarse. The African Crested porcupine is recognizable by the quills that run along the head, nape, and back that can be raised into a crest.
Some sturdier quills which are about 14 in. in length run along the sides and back half of the body. These sturdier quills are used for defense and are usually marked with light and dark bands which alternate; these quills are not firmly attached.
The H. cristata has a shorter tail which has rattle quills at the end. The rattle quills broaden at the terminal end and the broad portion is hollow with thin walls. When these quills are vibrated, they produce a hiss-like rattle.
The front feet of the H. cristata have four developed and clawed digits with a regressed thumb, the rear feet have five. The paws have naked and padded soles and have a plantigrade gait.
The ears are external and both the eyes and ears are very small with long vibrissae on its head.
The Hystrix cristata skull is specific in many ways; the infraorbital foramen is greatly enlarged so portions of the masseter extend through it and attach from the frontal side surface of the snout.
The angular process is inflected on the lower jaw, and third, the nasal cavity is enlarged. Prominent pockets create enlarged areas of attachment for chewing muscles. H. cristata collar bones are very much reduced, and one incisor, one premolar and three molars are present in each quadrant.
H. cristata have been known to collect thousands of bones that they find at night. They are mostly nocturnal, and they may come upon the skeletons of animals. They collect these bones and store them in an underground chamber or cave. To ingest calcium and sharpen incisors, they often gnaw on bones.
The Crested Porcupine is a terrestrial mammal; it very seldom climbs trees, but can swim. It is nocturnal and monogamous. The H. cristata takes care of the young for an extended period, and small family groups consist of the adult pair and young of various ages.
