Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin (ISSN 0178 – 6288) . Number 135, March 2016, pp. 1-20. | Page 5

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vary in length, with the neck and shoulder quills being the longest, measuring 15
to 30 cm. The tail is covered with shorter spines that appear white in color.
Among these, are longer, hollow, rattling quills. When irritated or alarmed, the
Indian porcupine raises its quills and rattles the hollow spines on its tail. If the
disturbance continues, the species launches a backward attack and hits its rear
against the offending animal. This action drives the spines dee