Both are covered with a total of 30,000 or more hollow quills. From the stocky Cape porcupine in South Africa (and across central and southern Africa), to the North American porcupine known as the New World porcupine.. They inhabit forests and wooded regions across North America, and into northern South America. Unlike the old world porcupines, the new world porcupines have adapted to tree climbing (Although they are not the most agile climbers, they get it done. Some New World species are arboreal, which means that they live in the trees. New World porcupines have small quills that are around 4 inches (10 cm) long, while Old World porcupines have quills that can grow up to … Porcupines are a type of rodent found in two main regions of the world, so scientists group them into either Old World or New World porcupines. Porcupines live all over the world. The New World porcupines, family Erethizontidae, are large arboreal rodents, distinguished by their spiny coverings from which they take their name. ), they use their tails when climbing, are not as nocturnal and are mostly smaller. New World porcupines (family Erethizontidae) The North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) is the largest species in the family, usually weighing less than 7 kg (15.4 pounds) though males occasionally grow significantly larger.Its body is up to 80 cm (31 inches) long, with a tail up to 30 cm. Similar to their cousins, they are stocky and rounded in build but they differ for … They inhabit forests and wooded regions across North America, and into northern South America. Their body length varies between 11-19 inches and their weight varies between 3.3-5lbs. Larger individuals can reach a length of 33 inches and can weigh 29-59 lbs. The New World porcupines, family Erethizontidae, are large arboreal rodents, distinguished by their spiny coverings from which they take their name. New world porcupines have four teats unlike the six that old world porcupines have. Here are some fun facts about the fascinating creatures, and a few answers to some earnest questions. Some, like the thin-spined porcupine (C. subspinosus), spend the bulk of their nights resting, too, with most of their activity centered around feeding. Source- dailymail.co.uk Males and females, in both the old and the new world … They range in size from 17-32 inches in length. There are 18 species in this family. Old World porcupines live in Europe, Africa, and Asia; some examples are the North African crested porcupine, African brush-tailed porcupine, and Indian crested porcupine. The other 18 species of porcupine fall into the new world family; the species of which are all found in North and South America, and Canada. These large rodents are the perfect example of a diverse species. Habitat of the Porcupine. Erethizontidae - New World porcupines. Although both the New World and Old World porcupine fami Old World porcupines have long quills up to 20 inches that take the shape of the skirt around the porcupine. They are found in North, Central and South America. They can be found in altitudes up to 12,100 ft. high. Different species can found in desert habitats, various forests, hillsides, mountains, and rocky cliffs. The shells are narrow and blunt, whereas the new world porcupine has sharp quills that range around four inches and work as a shield for it. New World and Old World porcupines occupy a wide range of habitats. Old world porcupines are larger and heavily built. Porcupines have long spiny barbed hairs or quills. The new world porcupine has quill-laden tails that they use during fights. New World Porcupines – Erethizontidae. 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