Philippine Porcupine

The Philippine Porcupine (Hystrix pumila), or the Indonesian Porcupine or the Palawan Porcupine, is a species of rodent in the Hystricidae family (Old World porcupines). It is endemic to the island of Palawan in the Philippines. Common Name: PALAWAN PORCUPINE Scientific Name: Hystrix pumila Local Name: Durian / Landak

Conservation Status: Apparently stable, but these species are reported to be persecuted by farmers as pests in coconut plantations.A locally common to uncommon species found in primary and secondary forest in the mountains and in the lowlands. This species also prefer caves, but are commonly found under tree buttresses or in rock crevices.It is an endemic species restricted in the Palawan Faunal Region. It has been recorded in the islands of Busuanga, Calauit, Coron, and on the Mainland at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and the forested areas of El Nido.

It is reported that this mammal appears to have no natural enemies. The outer covering of spines serve as its protection and defense system.

References

• Woods, C. A.; Kilpatrick, C. W. (2005), "Hystricognathi", in Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M., Mammal Species of the World: a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, 3rd ed., Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, pp. 1538–1600, ISBN 0801882214, http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/