Indian Crested Porcupine
Hystrix indica
WILD STATUS
Least concern
DISTRIBUTION
Asia (China, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon) and Europe (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia & Turkey
SIZE
Length: 70-90cm (2-3’)
Weight: 11-18 kg (24-40 lbs)
HABITAT
Varied habitats including forests, rocky hillsides, grasslands and scrublands up to 2400m above sea level.
REPRODUCTION
Litters of 2-4 young after an approximate 118 day gestation, with one to two litters a year.
DIET
Herbivore; primarily vegetable matter of all kinds, fruits, roots, and tubers.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
- Indian Crested Porcupines are nocturnal and highly adapted to multiple environments.
- They have two types of quills. Outer quills are long, hollow tubes without barbs at the end. Beneath those are other shorter, thicker quills.
- When scared or angry, these porcupines raise and rattle their quills.
- When defending themselves, they lunge backwards driving their quills deep into the offending species. Often, the shorter, thicker quills do significant damage.
- Porcupine attacks have been known to kill leopards and tigers.
- As herbivores, their foraging helps spread pollen and seeds.
- They have been known to eat bones to extract minerals and calcium.
ANIMAL FACT SHEET
To download this page and also get a full page photo of the Indian Crested Porcupine click here for a PDF.
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