About Coendou quichua Thomas, 1899
Common Name and Classification
Coendou quichua, commonly called the Andean porcupine, is a medium-sized porcupine species.
Body and Tail Length
Its head-and-body length ranges between 332 and 420 mm (13.1 and 16.5 in), and its tail length ranges between 290 and 413 mm (11.4 and 16.3 in).
Adult Weight
A fully grown adult typically weighs about 2 kg (4 lb).
Facial Features
It has a large pink nose and small eyes.
Spine Characteristics
Its entire body is covered in spines that are evenly spaced: these spines are dark with yellowish tips on the animal's midsection.
Tail Morphology
Its tail tapers from a broad base and is prehensile.
Similar Species Distinction
This porcupine can be easily confused with the Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine (Sphiggurus mexicanus), but the Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine has long black hair that mostly hides its spines, while the Andean porcupine's spines are clearly visible.
Known Ecology Status
Very little is known about the ecology of this species.
Inferred Behaviour and Diet
It is likely that its behaviour is similar to that of its close relatives: it is expected to be nocturnal, arboreal, and to feed on fruit and leaves.
