A Prickly Encounter: Meeting the Cape

Crested Porcupine

The quill-covered creature you may have seen around the Estate is the Cape crested porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis), which forms part of the 'Old World' porcupine species. In Afrikaans they are known as an ystervark. These large rodents can grow up to 60cm in length and have a rugged, spiky appearance with black and white quills covering their bodies. Despite their intimidating appearance, porcupines are pretty gentle creatures and essential to the Estate's biodiversity.

Did you know?

The Cape crested porcupine can have up to 30 000 quills covering its body. The quills are just modified hairs specifically designed to protect it from predators.

Cape crested porcupines are nocturnal, sheltering in burrows and stormwater drains during the day and foraging between rock crevices for food at night. Their diet consists of roots, bark, tubers and bulbs, and they also have a taste for salt and calcium, which they get from gnawing on bones.

The Cape crested porcupines are surprisingly good swimmers and can stay underwater for up to five minutes.

The Cape crested porcupine uses its sharp front claws to dig burrows, offering protection from predators and creating a habitat for many species.

Attackers are given plenty of warning signs. Cape crested porcupines bristle their quills, rattle their tails, stomp their feet, hiss and snort. If the attacker persists, the porcupine will whip around and charge backwards and sideways to lodge razor-sharp quills into the attacker.

Successful projects are achieved through understanding their purpose, paying attention to spatial awareness, respecting their surroundings, their future impact and client requirements

At Heunes Architects, we strive to deliver architectural and design services to our clients that go the extra mile, and our designs are both beautiful and practical, with the advantage o f a l w a y s b e i n g h i g h l y c o s t - e f f e c t i v e A s experts in architecture and design, we always c o n s i d e r f ensure a sound investment for our clients

We welcome projects of all sizes, new builds, renovations or additions

M e e t o u r n e w l y a p p o i n t e d h e a d o f F a m i l y L a w

Liesl Fischer Liesl Fischer

Liesl graduated from the University of Stellenbosch in 2005

During university she developed a special interest in and passion for family law Liesl commenced her articles at a specialised family law firm in Cape Town and practiced there as a senior associate for 14 years

During this time she had the opportunity to attend many conferences and was invited to copresent a paper at the London Metropolitan University

She joined Van Wyk Van Heerden Attorneys in April 2022, as head of the Family Law department

With 17 years of experience exclusively in family law and ancillary matters, we are delighted to welcome Liesl to the firm

VAN WYK VAN HEERDEN ALSO SPECIALISES IN OTHER AREAS OF THE LAW

Property Law | Litigation | Evictions | Family Law | Commercial Law | Taxation | Sport Law | Debt Recovery | Correspondent Work

Contact Liesl on 021 871 1050 | liesl@vwvh co za

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