A Visit With the World’s Largest Porcupine at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo

Great Big Story Planet Earth visited with beautiful African crested porcupine named Pierce who is an animal ambassador at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Pierce and those in his species are the largest of all porcupines, however sadly their numbers are dwindling due to development.

The African crested porcupine is the largest porcupine on Earth. With a tuft of quills on its head that would make any rock star jealous, this rodent can be found in rocky habitats stretching from Italy to Sub-Saharan Africa. Due to rapid urbanization, it is living in increasing proximity to humans, and farmers see it as an agricultural pest. Can this prickly porcupine last?