Iglosherst porcupine or wood (picture of the animal can be found in this article) refers to a group of rodents from the family of mammals.There are 4 kinds that are combined according to one of 12 species, and on the other - 23. The bulk of the species live in South America, from northern Argentina to Ecuador and Mexico.There they appeared during the Oligocene.In North America, only one common view - porkupin, who lives there since the late Pliocene.
animal porcupine tree depending on the type refers to a medium or large rodents.Body length ranges from 45 to 90 cm, and can weigh 18 kg.His massive body covered sufficiently thick hair on the tail passing in the stubble.Sharp needles are arranged in the rear and on the backs of animals, their length can be from 2.5 to 11 cm. Porcupine wood has a long tail and tenacious.
iglohvosty They live in forested areas of tropical and temperate zones.Perfectly adapted to life in the trees.They are excellent, albeit slowly, climb on them, some species arrange their nests in the hollows.Others settle in crevices of rocks or roots of large trees.Porcupine tree prefers a solitary life, although under certain circumstances it can be to put a temporary hold on to his guest.
activity of these animals is mainly accounted for the night and twilight time.In cold weather, prefer to sit in their nests.Porcupine feeds on tree bark, leaves, needles of coniferous trees, various roots, fruits, sprouts and flowers.For food they are able to climb a tree height of 18 m. The hunt them different predators, it can be and foxes, and wolves with coyotes, bobcats, bears, but the main enemy for them is the weasel family.When the porcupine tree is attacked, he begins to bite, trying to prick their needles predator.And they cause a painful and inflamed wounds.
intensity of reproduction in iglohvostov quite low.In the year of one female is born only one cub, but it is large and well developed.Young porcupines are born with open eyes and has developed hairline.They immediately able to follow the mother, and even climb trees.During the first year of life the baby's hair gradually changing the needles.The female in this period becomes very aggressive, she was at the slightest danger not only produces its own needle, but also begins to scratch, beat his opponent with a strong serrated spines tail.
longer shelf life, these animals can not boast, they live only three years.And this is the case if they were not attacked by predators or human.The fact that the meat wood porcupine love to feast not only animals, but also local residents.Noticeable iglohvost not cause harm.The damage he can do is to damage or, rather, banding trees.Occasionally he may enter the field of grain farmers, but most zatopchet than eat.These animals are very fond of salt and can gnaw the wall of the tent a man to be found there fat or any other traces of salt, even sweaty clothes in the course of human will.At first glance it might seem a tree porcupine awkward, but do not underestimate him.Clumsy animal is actually very sharpness.For example, scientists have to really try to replace the batteries in the transmitters mounted in the collars.For this purpose they foliage camouflages well and the cells are laid out in the bait.However, these cunning somehow recognize deception and ignore even laid there juicy apples.
