Himalayan Crestless Porcupine Hystrix brachyura (Linnaeus, 1758)

Himalayan Crestless Porcupine is common species in the Ranga Reserve Forest and distributed in the whole of North East India. It prefers primarily forests and forest fringe habitats. During the study period, this species was observed several times in different sampling sites (Gulajuli, Bogoli, Kachajuli, Dhekiajuli and Kimin) (Figure 3h). This species is facing threats such as habitat destruction, conflict with livestock, hunting for meat and various anthropogenic activities. These pose challenges to both agricultural livelihoods and wildlife conservation efforts, requiring balanced mitigation strategies for human-porcupine coexistence. The Himalayan Crestless Porcupine is of Least Concern according to IUCN Red List and is listed as a Schedule II species under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (Table 1).