Indian Crested Porcupine

About the Indian Crested Porcupine

The Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) is a hystricomorph rodent species in the Old World porcupine family, Hystricidae. It is native to West Asia and South Asia and listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The Indian crested porcupine is a large rodent, weighing 11–18 kg (24–40 lb). The body from nose to base of the tail measures between 70 and 90 cm (28 and 35 in), with the tail adding an additional 8–10 cm (3.1–3.9 in).

It is covered in multiple layers of modified hair called quills, with longer, thinner quills covering a layer of shorter, thicker ones. The quills are brown or black with alternating white and black bands. They are made of keratin and are relatively flexible. Each quill is connected to a muscle at its base, allowing the porcupine to raise its quills when it feels threatened. The longest quills are located on the neck and shoulder, where the quills form a "skirt" around the animal. These quills can grow up to 51 cm (20 in) long, with most measuring between 15 and 30 cm (5.9 and 11.8 in). Smaller and more rigid quills with a length of about 20 cm (7.9 in) are packed densely on the back and rump, which are used to stab at potential threats... Wikipedia →