Although African crested porcupines Hystrix spp. represent 0.5–34% of lion Panthera leo kills, interactions between the two species are poorly documented. Here we review porcupine-lion interactions and their impact on lion behaviour, including: 1) lion predation on porcupines; 2) lions injured or killed by porcupine quills; and 3) a case of a lion severely injured by a porcupine quill. Porcupine quills can be effective weapons and sometimes seriously wound lions, resulting in death. Death from quills can be a slow process and under these circumstances, death may be the result of starvation or infection (septicaemia).
How to translate text using browser tools
7 May 2019
Lion-Porcupine Interactions in Africa, Including Impacts on Lion Predatory Behavior
Julian C. Kerbis Peterhans,
Gastone G. Celesia,
Thomas P. Gnoske
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
behaviour modification
Hayward-Kerley' threat index
predator-prey relations
quill
septicaemia