THE INDIAN PORCUPINE | Hystrix indica

THE INDIAN PORCUPINE
This nocturnal rodent is distributed throughout Kerala. Presence of this animal can be easily detected from the quills or faecal pellets.

Scientific name : Hystrix indica

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Hystricidae
Genus: Hystrix
Subgenus: Hystrix
Species: H. indica

Local name : Mullan panni.

Habitats : All habitats.

Distribution : Present in most of the wildlife sanctuaries. Common in Parabikulam, Chinnar, Chimmony, Peppara and in Silent Valley National Park and Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Indirect evidences : Droppings, quills, diggings, remains of gnawed bone portions by the animal near the entrance of the caves and tracks. Dragging marks produced by the quills can be seen on the ground.

Faecal matters : Blackish in colour, normally on rocks and open ground. Diameter of each pellet varies from 11 mm to 12 mm.

Quills : Fallen quills can be seen on the areas where the porcupines frequent.

Habits : Active only at night.

Where to look for the indirect evidences : Found in all the forest areas and gnawing can be seen on the bark of trees.