Tim writes: The name implies that this is a tropical species but it also occurs throughout the Southern Himalayas, so also goes by the name of Himalayan Porcupine (Histrix brachyura). Its scientific name translates as short-tailed porcupine, even though its tail is quite long, but this distinguishes it from the Long-tailed Porcupine (Trichys fasciculata), which is altogether less spiny.
Although porcupines superficially resemble Hedgehogs the two are unrelated. Hedgehogs are insectivores like Shrews, while Porcupines are rodents like Beavers.
Malayan Porcupines inhabit woodlands, feeding nocturnally in grassy areas, and hiding during the day in dens. Unlike some species, Malayan Porcupines cannot “throw” their spines, but they can hurl themselves backwards at their enemies. They also rattle their quills like a rattlesnake when they feel threatened. The spines are modified hairs and are incredibly sharp.
I photographed this female, that had a half-grown youngster nearby, at Tangjiahe in Sichuan, China. It was taken at night using torchlight.
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