![]() Indian Crested Porcupine The Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica) holds the distinction of being the largest rodent in India, found throughout the Indian Subcontinent. Known locally as Sahi, it prefers habitats such as deciduous forests, rocky terrains, and open countryside. This sturdy creature is characterized by its thick, long quills, which can grow up to 16 inches in length. With a lifespan of 18 to 20 years, the Indian Crested Porcupine measures approximately 3 feet in length, sporting a short tail and spines covering its entire body from forehead to tail. As a large herbivore, it primarily feeds on plants, fruits, and roots, emitting grunting sounds while foraging during the night. Its large incisors, which continually grow, reflect its feeding habits. These porcupines are nocturnal and solitary, with females typically giving birth to a single litter per year consisting of 2-4 pups. The young remain in the den for 15 to 20 weeks under the care of their parents and become sexually active after approximately 2 years. Noteworthy for their impressive architectural skills, Indian Crested Porcupines can create burrows extending up to 13 meters long, complete with side chambers. These burrows serve as shelter and defense against predators, with the porcupines' strong front legs aiding in their construction. Interestingly, these burrows are often shared by various other species, including birds, bats, and reptiles, making them a crucial part of the ecosystem. Despite being categorized as a species of "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List and protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Indian Crested Porcupines remain poorly studied, leaving them vulnerable to threats. In some regions of India, they are considered pests and are illegally hunted for bushmeat, posing a risk to their population. Himalayan Crestless Porcupine The Hodgson’s Porcupine, also known as the Himalayan Crestless Porcupine, is characterized by its shorter dorsal crest and very short tail, with white quills resting on its back. This petite rodent possesses a dorsal chest and thinner quills compared to the crested porcupine, along with a blunt muzzle. Unlike the crested porcupine, its tail does not rattle as much. This spiny creature is typically found inhabiting forest fringes and rocky outcrops in the North-Eastern Region of India, specifically in Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and West Bengal. Manas National Park and Orang National Park in Assam are considered the best places to observe the Himalayan Crestless Porcupine in its natural habitat. Asiatic Brush-Tailed Porcupine The Asiatic Brush-Tailed Porcupine, the smallest and rarest among porcupines found in India, is characterized by its long spineless tail, which is one third the size of its body, and very small quills adorning its body. Highly nocturnal, these rodents inhabit Subtropical and Tropical Forests, particularly areas abundant in cane, bamboo, and palms. Although widely distributed in the North-eastern region of India, they have only been recorded in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya. The best places to observe these fascinating species include Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh, Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam, and Intanki National Park in Nagaland. Habitat of Porcupines in India Porcupine favours rocky hillsides but is also adapted to live in burrows in the sand-dunes in the desert. It is strictly nocturnal, venturing out only well after dark. Usually, they live in pairs but sometimes singly. Their burrow has a number of openings and the tunnels are very long. The animal moves along regular runs or pathways. It is herbivorous, feeding on tree bark, roots, bulbs, tubers and fruits. At certain places it is very destructive to plantation and tuber crops. In the said state, breeding of this rodent is reported during the month of March and April but in the Jodhpur and Bikaner zoos, the female littered from the month of March to December. Porcupine is well protected due to its spiny armour and it is known to tackle larger carnivores. However, it is preyed upon by panther, hyena and jackal. Diet of Porcupines in India Porcupines in India have a broad and predominantly herbivorous diet. They consume various natural and agricultural plant materials, including roots, bulbs, fruits, grains, drupes, and tubers, along with insects and small vertebrates. As cecal digesters, they can utilize low-quality forage efficiently. Additionally, they have been observed chewing on bones to acquire minerals like calcium, which aids in quill growth. Their ability to form significant fat reserves is an advantageous adaptation for surviving in habitats with seasonal fluctuations. |