Hystrix Javanica, also known as the Sunda Porcupine is one of eight  porcupine species. You may think all porcupine species are the same, but they’re not. Out of the eight different species, some are small, some are medium, and then there’s large. There are the New World porcupines and Old World porcupines. So let me tell you about the Sunda Porcupine, a member of the Old World species.

​

Like all porcupines, they have some identifying characteristics such as their quills, blunt round heads, fleshy mobile snouts, and coats of thick cylindrical of flattened spines. Sunda Porcupines can weigh up to 17lbs; head and body length is 17 to 28 in long; and tail length is about 2 to 5 in long. They have a life span of approximately 20 years. This species of porcupine is terrestrial, which means they stay close to the ground and are unable to climb trees. Porcupines come in a various combination of light to dark browns and black. They easily adapt to changing environments, so you could say, they can stand almost any type of weather.

Sunda’s are really lazy when it comes to their homes. They like to take pre-built caves, crevices, decaying logs, hollow trees or when all else fails, they dig deep burrows they’ve constructed themselves. A single nest is built with plant material and can hold up to 10 individuals. The main activities they do in their habitats is hiding from predators, nursing young, eating, and finding mates. They are mostly seen in Indonesia: Java, Bali, Sumbawa, Lombok, Madura, Tonahd Jampea, and South Slowesi.

 

The Sunda porcupine is an abundant species. It is in the least concern category when it comes to extinction. So I guess you could say they have life pretty good, because their kind is neither growing or shrinking.

​

My animal, the Sunda porcupine is a herbivore. Their diet consists of vegetation and crops which include: sweet potatoes, bananas, peanuts, pineapple, maize, onions, beans, melons and grapes. They also eat plant roots and bulbs which are roots of certain flowers. They are known to gnaw on bones of decaying animals for calcium. The Sunda eats when it is safe and secure out in the wild. This particular species is nocturnal, which means they do all of their living at night and are protected in the darkness from predators. It eats either where its food source is or sometimes back at the burrow just like most smaller animals. Its role in the food web is that of a vegetarian.

　

Let’s not forget their worst nightmare, the predators! Big cats with big teeth, birds of prey, such as the hawk and even humans that consider their meat a delicacy. Humans pose a threat by encroachment of their habitat, destroying the forests they live in. When threatened, the porcupine erects its quills, but cannot project them out like I supposed they did. Instead, the porcupine charges backwards or sideways towards the enemy. The victim is either frightened or stabbed. The sharp, barbed-like quills have no poison, but bacteria can infect or kill if the quill goes in deep enough.

Interesting Facts

 

The Sunda porcupines Quills are hollow not hard.  Latin name Quill Pig. Before mating occurs the male showers the female with urine.  Carry fleas and ticks and transmit diseases such as rickettsiasis and bubonic plague

 

Hystrix Javanica, or sunda porcupine is one of a kind. I enjoyed learning about this unique animal. With its different characteristics: hollow quills, a clumsy, stocky build and nocturnal lifestyle, I’ve got to say this was a very interesting animal to study. I’m glad I was given this animal to research on.

 

Author: Dylan N

Published: 10/2012

 

Sources:

Broecker, William L. "The Encyclopedia Americana." Porcupine. International ed. Vol. 22. Conneticut: Groiler Incorporated, 1988. 414-15. Print

Atkins, Williams A. Old World Porcupines. Old World Porcupnes. Gale, 2004. Web. 15 Feb. 2011

　

D, Lunde. "Thretened Species." ICUN Redlist. Aplin K. 2008, Apr.-May 2010. Web. 15 Feb. 2011