Facts About Philippine porcupine
The Philippine porcupine, also known as the Palawan porcupine, is a distinctive rodent that belongs to the Hystricidae family. This intriguing creature is indigenous to the island of Palawan in the Philippines, where it is commonly referred to as "durian" or "landak" by the locals. Although the porcupine population remains stable, these animals often face conflicts with farmers who consider them pests in coconut plantations.
These porcupines are typically found in both primary and secondary forests, ranging from mountainous regions to lowland areas. They establish their habitats in locations such as caves, tree buttresses, and rock crevices. Confined to the Palawan Faunal Region, the porcupines have been observed in various locations, including Busuanga, Calauit, Coron, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and El Nido.
A key factor contributing to the resilience of the Philippine porcupine is its formidable defense mechanism: its spines. These spines deter most natural predators. Regarding size, the porcupine's body length spans from 42 to 93 cm (1.38 to 3.05 feet), excluding a tail that measures approximately 2.5 to 19 cm (0.98 to 7.48 inches). They typically weigh between 3.8 to 5.4 kg (8.4 to 11.9 pounds).