Indian Porcupine (Hystrix indica) is seen in rocky areas, open land, forests, tall grass or near cultivation. Its hair is highly modified to form multiple layers of spines. The rear part is covered with long, backward-slanting quills, which are brown or black in color, with alternating bands of white. The neck and shoulder quills are the longest. The tail is covered with shorter spines that appear white in color and these are the most dangerous ones.
Weight is around 10 to 18 kg. Head to body measures 70 to 90 cm in length, with the tail another 8 to 10 cm. The feet and hands are broad, with long claws that are used for burrowing. The sense of smell of this nocturnal animal is very good. The porcupine eats vegetables, grass and roots.
The animal can be seen in the Nameri National Park, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Churdhar Sanctuary and a numerous other sanctuaries.
