Wildlife Expert Debunks Myths About Porcupine Quills And Animal Defence

Most species of animals are afraid of aggressive and carnivorous animals like tigers or lions. But there are some wild animals where even tigers and leopards think 100 times before attacking. One such animal is the porcupine, also called Sahi in Hindi. Although it is not aggressive, the quills on its body make it dangerous. God may have given the creatures a big or small size, but he has given them some tricks for their survival. Nature has given the same trick to the porcupine.

Wildlife expert and independent researcher Pranjali Bhujbal told Local 18 that the porcupine is not aggressive by nature but is a shy animal. It is a nocturnal and vegetarian animal. Usually, it builds its burrow, stays hidden in it and comes out only to eat. There are tough quills on its tail part. Once a big animal attacks it, it picks up the quills for its defence.

Pranjali Bhujbal said it is just a myth that the porcupine attacks by throwing its quills. Often, wild animals like tigers and leopards get injured by their quills while hunting. On the other hand, the quills in its claws affect its prey, which is directly related to its survival. According to the anatomy of the porcupine, if even a little pressure is applied to them, the quills detach from the body and get stuck in the body of another animal.

Pranjali says superstitions like using porcupine quills for black magic and treatment are common. It is the reason why hunters keep an eye on them and this innocent animal is hunted. People should understand how important the wild animals are for the environment. At the same time, these superstitions should be avoided.

Besides, wildlife photographer Callum Perry has released an amazing video showing a dramatic encounter between a leopard and a porcupine. The clip gives a remarkable insight into the leopard’s determination and the porcupine’s defence tactics and showcases a captivating moment from the animal kingdom.

In the video, the leopard attempts to chase the porcupine, only to be met with a barrage of sharp quills. Despite the painful encounter, the leopard is undaunted. After carefully removing the quills one by one, the leopard resumes the hunt and is eventually successful.