| Revision as of 17:00, 6 March 2015 editHaffy881 (talk | contribs)180 edits added biology, description, habitat and further infoTags: Mobile edit Mobile app edit← Previous edit | Revision as of 18:30, 6 March 2015 edit undoHelpsome (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Rollbackers11,373 edits Undid revision 650167151 by Haffy881 (talk) WP:COPYVIO http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Hystrix_indica/Next edit → | ||
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| == Physical Description == | |||
| On average, the Indian porcupine's head and body measure 70-90 centimeters (cm) in length, with the tail adding an additional 8-10 cm. Its hair is highly modified to form multiple layers of spines. Beneath the longer, thinner spines lies a layer of shorter and thicker ones. Each quill is brown or black in color, with alternating bands of white. Spines vary in length, with the neck and shoulder quills being the longest, measuring 15 to 30 cm. The tail is covered with with shorter spines that appear white in color. Among these, are longer, hollow, rattling quills that are used to alarm potential predators. The feet and hands are broad, with long claws that are used for burrowing. | |||
| == Lifespan and Weight == | |||
| Average lifespan 27.1 years in captivity. | |||
| Average Weight 11 to 18 kgs (24.23 to 39.65 lbs) | |||
| == Habitat == | |||
| The Indian porcupine is highly adaptable to multiple environments. Although they usually favor rocky hill sides, the species can also be found in tropical and temperate scrublands, grasslands, and forests. They are also found throughout the Himalayan mountains, reaching up to elevations of 2400 meters. | |||
| == Range Description == | |||
| The ] ''(Hystrix indica)'' 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 Saudia Arabia. Its also recorded in Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean. | |||
| == Population == | |||
| A very widespread species. Status varies in different parts of the range, but in at least parts of the range it is common enough to be considered a pest, still its population trend is stable. | |||
| == Reproduction == | |||
| Gestation for the species, on average, lasts 240 days. Brood size varies, ranging from 2 to 4 offspring per year. Young are born with their eyes open, and the body is covered by short soft quills. The Indian porcupine is usually monogamous, with both parents being found in the burrow with their offspring throughout the year. | |||
| == Predators == | |||
| The main predators for this species is man and large cats. There have been recorded fatalities of ] and ] that were caused by the Indian porcupine as it defended itself. | |||
| == Behavior == | |||
| When irritated or alarmed, the Indian porcupine raises its quills and rattles the hollow spines on its tail. If the disturbance continues, the species launches a backward attack and clashes its rear against the offending animal. This action drives the spines deep into the enemy, often leading to severe injury or death (Ellerman 1961). The majority of the damage is done by the short quills that are hidden beneath the longer, thinner spines on the tail and back. Quite often, these quills become dislodged and remain in the victim. | |||
| Indian porcupines are nocturnal, with the species seeking shelter in caves, between rocks, or in its burrow during the day. The burrow is usually self-constructed, with a long entrance tunnel, multiple exits and a large inner chamber. Gnawed bones and most of the excavated dirt are usually left at the entrance. | |||
| == Food Habits == | |||
| The main food source for the Indian porcupine is vegetable material of all kinds, including fruits, grains, and roots. They have also been known to chew on bones, in search of minerals (such as calcium) that help their spines grow. The species utilizes both natural plants and agricultural crops as food sources. | |||
| == Economic Importance for Human == | |||
| '''Positive''' | |||
| Throughout its range, the Indian porcupine is hunted as a food source. Also, its role as a herbivore may allow it to help with the spread of seeds and pollen. | |||
| '''Negative''' | |||
| The Indian porcupine uses crop plants extensively as a food resource, thus leading to a significant loss for agriculture. In addition, the species can be extremely destructive to gardens and landscaping, as they burrow through or consume the resources in these areas. | |||
| Indian porcupines can cause some medical problems as well, with the possibility that humans or, more significantly, pets may come into contact with their quills. | |||
| == Threats == | |||
| Porcupines are considered agricultural pests by locals who trap and use them for food. | |||
| == Conservation Status == | |||
| Throughout its range, the Indian porcupine is common and does not face a significant threat towards its continued existence. Its adaptability to a wide range of habitats and food types helps insure their healthy populations. | |||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 18:30, 6 March 2015
| Indian crested porcupine | |
|---|---|
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| Conservation status | |
 Least Concern (IUCN 3.1) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Hystricidae |
| Genus: | Hystrix |
| Subgenus: | Hystrix |
| Species: | H. indica |
| Binomial name | |
| Hystrix indica Kerr, 1792 | |
The Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica), or Indian porcupine, is a member of the Old World porcupines. It is quite an adaptable rodent, found throughout southern Asia and the Middle East. It is tolerant of several different habitats: mountains, tropical and subtropical grasslands, scrublands, and forests. It is a large rodent, growing more than 0.9 m (3 ft) long and weighing 14.5 kg (32 lb). It is covered in multiple layers of quills. The longest quills grow from its shoulders to about a third of the animal's length. Its tail is covered in short, hollow quills that can rattle when threatened. It has broad feet and long claws for digging. When attacked, the Indian crested porcupine raises its quills and rattles the hollow quills on its tail. If the predator persists past these threats, the porcupine launches a backwards assault, hoping to stab its attacker with its quills. It does this so effectively that most brushes between predators and the Indian porcupine end in death or severe injury.
Not much is known about the average life span of the Indian crested porcupine. Nevertheless it produces litters of variable size (four at the largest) each year. The Indian crested porcupine is nocturnal and creates underground shelters. It eats a variety of plants including their fruits, grains, and roots. Its diet of plant matter makes it an agricultural pest to farmers in some parts of India. In addition, the Indian porcupine has been observed gnawing on bones to extract the minerals they contain. Many conservationists, most notably Jim Corbett and Kenneth Anderson, have documented and noted that many tigers and leopards have become man-eaters after having fought and been injured by porcupines, which indicates their ferocity and their lack of predators. One such example was the Leopard of Gummalapur, which when examined, was shown to have two porcupine quills lodged in its right forefoot.
References
- Template:IUCN2008
- Chakravarthy, A. K.; Girish, A. C.; Shakunthata Sridhara (2006) Pest status of the Indian crested porcupine, Hystrix indica. Authors in Vertebrate pests in agriculture: the Indian scenario (editor Shakunthala Sridhara Book). pages. 287-300 ISBN 81-7233-436-2
| Extant species of family Hystricidae (Old World porcupines) | |
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| Atherurus | |
| Hystrix | |
| Trichys | |
| Category | |
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