Atherurus macrourus

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Asiatic brush-tailed porcupine
French : Athérure malais

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Rodentia
Family : Hystricidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a body length of 57 cm for a weight of 4 kg. Elongated body, long naked scaly tail with white hair tuft. Very long whiskers. Hair coloration is light brown to grey brown. Body covered with short clear-tipped spines.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South-east Asia, from eastern India to central China, south to peninsular Malaysia. Also occurs on Hainan island. Lives in rocky areas within dense forests and plantations.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a huge range and remains locally common. Local declines are reported because of overhunting for food consumption.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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