page_title: Indian crested porcupine
section_title: Conservation
hierarchical_section_title: Indian crested porcupine / Conservation
context_page_description: The Indian crested porcupine, or Indian porcupine, is a large species of hystricomorph rodent belonging to the Old World porcupine family, Hystricidae. It is native to southern Asia and the Middle East.
context_section_description: Due to its adaptability to a wide range of habitats and food types, the Indian crested porcupine is listed by the IUCN as Least Concern as of 2008. Populations are stable and not severely fragmented, and while population status varies across its range, in many places it is common enough to be considered a pest. However, as a result of urbanization, infrastructure development, and pesticide use, suitable porcupine habitat is currently declining.
  The Indian crested porcupine is protected under the India Schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, amended up to 2002. Nonetheless, because they are destructive to gardens and agricultural crops, porcupines are widely hunted. A large trade of these porcupines exists for consumption and medicinal use. Despite being considered a pest, Indian crested porcupines play an important role in spreading seeds and pollen.
caption: H. indica in a trap
exif: {}