atherurus

Meaning

A genus of rodents in the family Hystricidae, commonly known as brush-tailed porcupines, characterized by a tail ending in a cluster of flattened bristles.

Examples

• The African brush-tailed porcupine, Atherurus africanus, is a significant source of bushmeat in parts of Central Africa.
• Researchers studying Atherurus species have noted their unique nocturnal foraging behaviors in tropical rainforests.