Timing of reproduction and paternal cares in the crested porcupine

摘要: Abstract Old World porcupines are elusive, nocturnal rodents who pair for life, exhibiting frequent socio-sexual behaviour also outside the breeding period. Only anecdotal observations on captive individuals available reproductive of crested porcupine Hystrix cristata, a Sub-Saharan and North African large rodent probably introduced to Italy over 1500 years ago. Our work reports first data biology paternal free-living in Europe. A total 44 litters was recorded at 4 den systems, 3 years: 59% singletons, 32% twins, 9% triplets. Reproduction occurs throughout year, but two significant birth peaks have been detected February October. The peak October falls period short rains Africa, coincides with start Autumn Italy, thus preceding vegetation regrowth both areas, especially Africa. On other hand, unusual, as their “spring” births Central actually mid-winter (i.e. February), when snowfalls coldest temperatures tend occur. By contrast, anticipate long Africa by c. 30 days, cubs leave natal time starts sprouting. Haphazard 12 (N = 72) confirmed this pattern. Both partners (N = 2 radio-tagged pairs) share parental duties: alternation cub guarding months i.e. quills still soft relatively short, making an easy prey small mesocarnivores.