Crested Porcupine
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This mounted specimen of a crested porcupine (scientific name: Hystrix leucurus) is a good example of a traditional museum specimen. The external features have been preserved as well as the skeleton and the stuffed animal is mounted in a lifelike position. It has stayed in remarkably good condition over the years. The porcupine's back is adorned with large spines, which are modified hairs, as a defensive strategy. Porcupines are a group of mammals related to rats and mice (Order: Rodentia). |