Indian Crested Porcupine

Indian Crested Porcupine Latest News

Recently, it was observed that the Indian crested porcupine has begun feeding on saffron corms beneath the soil, hollowing out harvests before they can bloom in Kashmir.

About Indian Crested Porcupine

• It is a large rodent belonging to the Old World porcupine family, Hystricidae.
• Habitat
  • It mainly occurs on rocky hill sides but is also found in tropical and temperate scrublands, grasslands, and forests.
  • They are also found throughout the Himalayan Mountains, reaching up to elevations of 2400 meters. 
• Distribution: It is found throughout southeast and central Asia and in parts of the Middle East, including such countries as India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Israel, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.
• Features

• • Lifespan: 18 to 20 years
  • Quills: A porcupine’s best defense is the formidable set of quills on its back. But it can’t “throw” them. When alarmed, the Indian Porcupine launches its quill for a backward attack. 
  • The feet and hands are broad, with long claws that are used for burrowing.
  • It is nocturnal, with the species seeking shelter in caves, between rocks, or in its burrow during the day.
  • Diet: They have a very broad and mostly herbivorous diet. They primarily feed on fruits, grains, roots, and other vegetable material.
  • Conservation Status IUCN Red List: Least Concerned.

Source: TOI

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