North American tree porcupine (SciiFii)

The North American tree porcupine (Coendou americanum), also known as the North American prehensile-tailed porcupine and the North American coendou, is a species of porcupine that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The closest living relatives of the North American tree porcupine are other porcupines of the genus Coendou. The North American tree porcupine is covered in short, thick spines that are whitish or yellowish in color, mixed with the darker hair, while the underside is grayish. The lips and nose are fleshy. The tail is prehensile, with the tip curling upward so as to get a better grip on tree branches. This porcupine can grow to 40 inches long (1 meter), but half of that is tail. It weighs about nine pounds (4.1 kg). No spines are found on the tail, which is long (330–485 mm (13.0–19.1 inches)). Its feet are reflective of their arboreal lifestyle, well-adapted for gripping branches, with four long-clawed toes on each. This shy, nocturnal porcupine is solitary or lives in pairs in the branches of trees. During the day it rests in a cavity in a hollow tree or in a well-shaded area of the canopy, 4 to 25 meters above the ground. It rarely descends to the ground, but it shows little fear if it happens to be caught. It is not aggressive but will defend itself ferociously if attacked. Its diet consists of leaves, fruit, and small fresh twigs and shoots. This creature can easily be tamed enough to be kept in captivity. Intra-specific interactions consist of biting and attempts to injure adversaries with their sharp quills. When excited, porcupines stamp their hind feet. Vocalizations consist of growls and cries. If caught, the North American tree porcupine rolls into a ball. The prehensile tail is used to curl around branches when climbing. The female gives birth to a single young in the spring, around March to April. The newborn porcupine is covered with red hairs and small spines, which harden shortly after birth. The conservation status of the North American tree porcupine is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the North American tree porcupine's wide range and its tolerance to many of the humans activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii