The Malayan Porcupine o r
Himalayan Porcupine (Hystrix brachyura) is a species of rodent in the
Hystricidae family.Three subspecies are extant in South and South-east
Asia.Evolution
This species and its close relatives is believed to have originated
from southern Asia based on their current distribution. Their origin may
lie from a common Late Pleistocene ancestor when Sumatra, Borneo and
Palawan were part of Sundaland.
Habitat and ecology
It is found in various types of forest habitats as well as open areas
near forests. It may stray into nearby agricultural areas. It digs into
the ground and inhabits dens near rocky areas, where it lives in small
groups. It has a gestation period of 110 days and a litter size of two
or three. The species may give birth to two litters annually. Their
habitat is terrestrial where they are living in the hole of tree barks
or roots. It also living in a burrow, from which a network of trails
penetrate into surrounding habitat. It can be found in all forest types
up to 1500m.
Characteristics
It is a large and stout bodied rodent covered with quills which are
sharp, rigid structures. The quills/spines are modified hair.The quills
or spines on their upper body parts are rough with black and white or
yellowed stripe in color. The young’s soft quills become hard as they
enter adulthood. It has short stocky legs covered in brown hairs which
have four claws on the front and five on the hind legs. Both front and
hind legs have smooth soles.The head and body measurement are around
63-72.5 cm and their tail is about 6-11 cm. Their weight is around 0.760
kg-2.414 kg
Diet
They normally feed on roots, tubers, bark and fallen fruits. They
also eat carrion and insects.
Behaviour
H. brachyura is nocturnal. It forages at night and rests during the
day. It may be found singly or in pairs. It can also cans swim and can
gnaw[citation needed]. The sow usually delivers a single pup at a time
but delivering two pups has also been recorded. The gestation period is
about 90 to 112 days. The maximum longevity of their life is about 27
years.
Conservation and economic importance
IUCN has categorized this species as Vulnerable (VU) species. The
quills of the Malayan porcupine are used for ornamental purposes. They
are also hunted for meat |
