Context:
• The Indian crested porcupine has been observed damaging saffron crops in Kashmir by feeding on underground corms, affecting agricultural yield before flowering.
Key Highlights:
- About Indian Crested Porcupine
• Scientific name: Hystrix indica
• Belongs to the Old World porcupine family (Hystricidae) - Habitat and Distribution
• Found in:
- Rocky hillsides, forests, grasslands, scrublands
• Occurs across: - India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan
- Parts of Middle East (Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia)
• Found in Himalayan regions up to 2400 m altitude
- Physical and Behavioural Features
• Lifespan: 18–20 years
• Covered with sharp quills used for defense (cannot throw but uses backward attack)
• Nocturnal species, shelters in burrows or rocks during daytime
• Strong claws used for digging and burrowing - Diet and Ecological Role
• Mostly herbivorous:
- Fruits, grains, roots, tubers
• Plays role in soil aeration through burrowing
- Conservation Status
• IUCN Red List: Least Concern - Issue in News (Kashmir Saffron Fields)
• Feeding on saffron corms beneath soil
• Causes crop damage before flowering stage
• Affects saffron productivity and farmer livelihoods
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Hystrix indica – Indian crested porcupine
• Family: Hystricidae
• Nocturnal rodent with quill-based defense
• Found across South Asia and Middle East
• IUCN Status: Least Concern
• Important agricultural impact: pest in certain regions
Relevant Mains Points:
• Illustrates human-wildlife conflict in agriculture
• Impact on high-value crops like saffron
• Need for sustainable wildlife management practices
• Balancing biodiversity conservation with farmer interests
• Role of agro-ecological strategies to mitigate crop damage
- Way Forward
• Develop non-lethal crop protection techniques
• Promote community-based wildlife management
• Strengthen compensation mechanisms for farmers
• Encourage research on animal behaviour and crop protection
UPSC Relevance:
• GS Paper 3 – Environment, Biodiversity, Agriculture
• Prelims – Species, Habitat, Conservation Status