Difference between Hedgehog and Porcupine

Hedgehogs and porcupines appear similar due to some shared characteristics but there is also some difference between these two species. Although their external appearance however different creatures with some perceptible contrasts displayed between them as to their qualities and distribution designs. Despite these similarities, some careful examining would uncover the contrasts between them. Along these lines, it is intriguing to know and clear up the instabilities about these two.

Their differences, much like the philosophical contrasts described in the Difference between Idealism and Naturalism, highlight the beauty of nature’s diversity

In this article we are going to point out all the contrasts between them.

Hedgehog

A hedgehog is the small sharp- spined warm blooded animals of the subfamily “Erinaceinae”, in order of “Eulipotyphla”. There are seventeen species of hedgehog in five genera, exist through regions of Africa, Asia and Europe. There are no hedgehogs local to Australia, as well as no living species local to Americas. And the average age spell of this creature is 2-5 years. It belongs to the class Mammalia.

Porcupine

Porcupines are warm blooded mammals with a layer of sharp spines and quills that ensure against predators. The term covers two groups of creatures, the Old World porcupines and New World porcupines. Both families have a place with the Hystricognathi branch of the broad order Rodentia and show distinct defense adaptations.

Hedgehog VS Porcupine

In this article we are going to giving you valuable information about hedgehog and porcupine by explaining you the contrasts between them so that you can differentiate them properly.

Aspect	Hedgehog	Porcupine
Order	Hedgehog has a place in order Erinaceomorpha which incorporates gymnures and hedgehogs. They are actually fat and blind.	Porcupine is kind of huge rodent. The feature that differs hedgehog from others is that it has incisors which are growing continuously.
Species	Hedgehogs are less various groups of creatures with only 17 species that begin from Europe, Africa and Asia.	·         There exist 29 species related to porcupine that are arranged in two different groups. One group is Old World porcupines and second one is new world porcupine. ·         Old world porcupine local to Asia, Europe, and Africa whereas New World porcupines, local to South and North America.
Found in	Hedgehogs inhabit usually in hedgerows, forests and meadows.	Porcupines can be usually found in temperate and tropical forests, rough outcrops, grasslands, deserts and hillsides.
Size	Hedgehogs are much littler as compare to porcupines. They can achieve 5-12 inches long and 1-2.5 pounds weight.	Porcupines can achieve 25-36 inches length and 12-35 pounds weight. Porcupines additionally have 8-10 creeps in length tail.
Face and feet	Hedgehogs usually have triangular face as well as pig-like nose and little feet with smaller than usual toes and paws.	Porcupines have a round face and expansive feet with long paws which help them in hopping on the trees.
Life expectancy	Hedgehog has a normal life expectancy of 2-7 years.	Porcupine can stay alive up to 27 years in wild.
Hibernate	Hedgehogs hibernate amid the winter covered up under the stones, shrubs or buildings.	Porcupines are dynamic throughout the entire year.
Spines	Hedgehog is a sharp spiny-skinned warm blooded animal but it has less noticeable spines. Hedgehog spines are not spiked and noxious. The characteristics on which they are recognized is their spines.	Porcupine is a spine-secured warm blooded animal and it has more noticeable spines as compare to hedgehog does. Porcupine spines are spiked and noxious.
Gestation	In hedgehog, gestation time period of female differs 35-38 days relying on species.	In porcupine, gestation time period ends for 31 weeks and it is longer as compare to hedgehogs.

How Hedgehogs and Porcupines Perfect the Art of Survival

In nature, it is not brute power but clever defense methods to deter invaders. Hedgehogs, which are tiny when compared to the majority of their predators, ingeniously defend themselves by rolling themselves into close, spiky spheres. Their bristles are defensive armor, and it is nearly impossible for antagonists to try and assault them without inflicting harm upon themselves.

This naturally occurring trait, combined with their nighttime activity levels, enables hedgehogs to evade most danger of day-predators. Curling up not only makes them safe but also makes the predators know that they are not worth the hassle.

Porcupines have gone one step further with protection. Rather than hide, porcupines attack by rattling their quills at an aggressor. If this does not work, they attack rearwardly, plunging sharp, barbed quills into their attackers. The quills come off very easily and are prone to digging deep, and the wounds hurt so much that they discourage secondary attacks. The surprise element which makes this strategy work is the fact that predators are often not aware of the threat until too late. This is one instance where offense-defense at times trumps passive methods.

Being adaptable is also a survival method common to both animals. Hedgehogs have a natural hibernation mechanism for severe winters, reducing their body functions to endure during food shortages. Porcupines, being more robust, remain active throughout the year but modify their den based on the season.

From under a rock structure to tree climbing, porcupines use their space efficiently. Their various means of survival are testimony to the astounding means by which evolution has readied animals for survival in their own environments such that both hedgehogs and porcupines are survival geniuses on their own level.

Moreover, their survival strategies remind us of human approaches during crises, similar to the need for Isolation and Quarantine during pandemics, where defensive measures are essential for survival.