The Valencian park is home to the largest group of this striking South African species in Spain and the team specialized in its well-being has activated “hand” breeding with mini-bottles that involves 24-hour care. Included in the IUCN Red List and despite hunting pressure, work to protect it has managed to stabilize its population.
This month of August brought a “double” surprise to the animal care technicians at BIOPARC Valencia because, when the female Pincha went into labor, instead of a calf twins have arrived. And they are not just any two “babies”, since they are the South African porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis), the largest of all species of porcupine that we can find on our planet. The “little couple” is out of danger and stable, but the group of professionals responsible for their well-being has had to launch the special “hand” breeding protocol, since the female did not facilitate breastfeeding and they could lose their lives if action was not taken quickly.
Assisting twins involves establishing 24 hour shifts. to maintain feedings of “mini” size bottles every two hours. Always pending that its evolution continues to be positive, this routine should be maintained, at least, during the first month of life, when feedings can be spaced out, and after a month and a half, solid food will begin to be introduced.
The objective is for them to grow strong and healthy and to be able to interact with their peers as soon as possible, taking into account that BIOPARC Valencia houses a group of 10 animals, the largest in Spain of South African porcupines. This species is included in the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List that assesses the risk of extinction. In this case, even with the danger of hunting and loss of habitat, protection actions have managed to maintain a stable population.
Video: South African porcupine twins.
The showiness of this species of porcupine and its ability to cope to powerful predators such as lions or leopards, has motivated the belief that they throw their spikes to defend themselves against their enemies, the reality is that those spikes are an impressive protection that sticks and detaches in case of attack. In addition, they impregnate them with their own urine so that they infect the opponent. At birth, with a weight of between 350 and 400 grams, the quills are soft and the keratin that forms them hardens until forming a true armor. They normally use them in an intimidating way, emitting a sound reminiscent of snakes and when they stand up, they seem even more defiant.
South African porcupines at BIOPARC Valencia.
In BIOPARC Valencia you can see this impressive species in the area that recreates the savannah, next to the baobab forest where the elephant herd is located, with little Makena who just turned 9 months old. They are also part of the recognized educational exhibition “The cycle of life”, a complement to the visit to observe “live” the different hunting and defense strategies of different species of birds and mammals. Throughout the summer it takes place twice a day and, together with the numerous free activities on offer, it is especially attractive for the thousands of people who visit the one that is considered one of the best animal parks in the world.
