Pre- and postnatal growth of the Cape porcupine Hystrix africaeaustratis

Pre- and postnatal growth of the Cape porcupine Hystrix africaeaustralis is evaluated by means of the Huggett & Widdas equation, a modification thereof, and the von Bertalanffy equation. Specific foetal growth velocity for the Cape porcupine is higher than that recorded for most other hystricomorph rodents, but similar to that recorded for large-bodied rodents of the same group. Relatively high foetal growth velocity in porcupines is ascribed to their relatively short gestation period, the latter being longer than expected for mammals of equal size, but shorter than expected for a hystricomorph rodent.
Postnatal growth is nearly linear up to the age of 20 weeks and asymptotic body weight is attained at an age of 52 weeks, this coinciding with the observed age at sexual maturity. Growth rates of males and females are similar. Their high rate of postnatal growth and development results in an extended reproductive period, thereby enhancing individual reproductive values by counteracting the effects of seasonal breeding and small litter size.