They are considered semifossorial living rodents (adapted for a digging lifestyle), thus they will share burrow systems with aardvarks and will inhabit abandoned termite mounds. They may dig burrows up to 65 feet (20 meters) deep.
Longevity
A typical lifespan for a crested porcupine ranges between 15-20 years in zoos and 10-12 years in the wild.
Behavior
When excited or upset by a predator they will stop and turn their hindquarters towards the predator, fluff out their quills to appear larger and begin shaking their quills and going towards the threat. Often times throughout their range one may observe leopards, lions and hyenas with quills on their face or necks due to encounters with porcupines.
Reproduction
A porcupine couple will remain monogamous. Births may occur between August and March. Gestation is 90-110 days. A litter size may include 1-3 pups. The pups are nidifugous (relatively developed at birth). The weight of a neonate is on average 12 ounces (350 grams). The pup will nurse for up to 100 days and will reach adult size by the age of 1 year. Family groups may include up to 6 individuals, consisting of adult pair, juveniles from previous litters and the current litter.