Species of the Month: Indian Crested Porcupine

Common Name: Indian crested porcupine

Scientific Name: Hystrix indica

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

CITES: No special status

Wildlife Protection Act of India (1972): Schedule IV

Population trend: Stable

Within a few days of setting up my network of camera-traps, I came across this amazing creature – the Indian Crested Porcupine. This fellow that came into my camera-trap has only one eye so I’ve named him One Eyed- Jack. Now Jack and his gang are famous for raiding the fields around Gadoli House at Gadoli Fee Simple Estate. They love the green peas and the “rajma” but their favourite food is the “bhutta” (corn).

Jack and the gang have an amazing strategy to get to the corn. Since he cannot climb the corn-stalk he nibbles away at the base of the plant and then when the plant falls he can get to the corn – genius!!! Animal intelligence!!!

The Indian crested porcupine, is a rodent which is largely herbivorous. They also feed on seeds and fruits which make them important for seed dispersal. They are known to damage agriculture crops causing conflict with humans are often also hunted for food and medicinal purposes.

The species weighs between 11 – 18 kg with a brood size varying from 2-4 offspring and an average gestation period of 115 days. Its hair is highly modified to form layers of spines which are also known as quills and often used in defense when under attack. It is known to defend itself from attacks from leopards and tigers by spraying its quills causing injuries to these predators.

The Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) has a wide distribution range from the Eastern Mediterranean to southwest, south east and central asia and in some parts of the middle-east. In the Himalayas it is found upto an altitude of 2400 meters.

The species is able to use multiple habitats ranging from rocky hill sides to tropical and temperate scrublands, grasslands, and forests.

Conservation Action: The Gadoli and Manda Khal Wildlife Conservation Trust is working actively on-ground to protect coniferous and broadleaved habitats of the Indian crested porcupine in the private forests of the Gadoli and Manda Khal Fee Simple Estates and peripheral areas in this landscape. Foot-patrols to curb illicit tree felling, lopping and illegal cutting of natural regeneration are conducted regularly to secure habitat for the species.

Sources:

IUCN Red List

CITES

WLPA(1972)

Gurung, K., R. Singh. 1996. Field Guide to the Mammals of the Indian Subcontinent. San Diego: Academic Press.