Thai National Parks

Species of Thailand

Asiatic brush-tailed porcupine

Atherurus macrourus

(Carolus Linnaeus, 1758)

In Thai: เม่นหางพวง

The Asiatic brush-tailed porcupine (Atherurus macrourus) is a species of rodent in the family Hystricidae. It is found in China, Bhutan, India, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Taxonomy

The synonyms of this species are Atherurus assamensis (Thomas, 1921), and Atherurus macrourus (Thomas, 1921) subspecies assamensis.

Habitat

It is a nocturnal and fossorial species, occurring in subtropical and tropical montane forests. It is found on the forest floor, often in areas with profuse undergrowth interspersed with cane and bamboo brakes and palms.

Breeding

It constructs burrows, which may be occupied by up to three animals. The female produces one or two litters a year, of a single young, after a gestation period of 100 to 110 days.

Conservation

Known to be one of the rarest porcupines in South Asia, the species is protected under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, though not listed in CITES. It has been recorded from Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is present in a number of protected areas in Southeast Asia.

Behavior

In one study using camera traps, it was found that the porcupine typically hunts at night, with a single activity peak during the three-hour period before midnight. To avoid predators on nights when the moon is full, foraging activity is limited to dawn and dusk.

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Scientific classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Rodentia
Family
Hystricidae
Genus
Atherurus
Species
Atherurus macrourus

Common names

  • English:
    • Asiatic brush-tailed porcupine
    • Asian brush-tailed porcupine
    • Bush-tailed porcupine
  • Thai: เม่นหางพวง

Synonyms

  • Atherurus macrourus, Michael Rogers Oldfield Thomas (1921)
  • Atherurus assamensis, Michael Rogers Oldfield Thomas (1921)
  • Hystrix macrourus, Carolus Linnaeus (1758)
  • Hystrix macroura, Carolus Linnaeus (1758)

Conservation status

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Photos

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Asiatic brush-tailed porcupine

Range Map

Distribution map of Asiatic brush-tailed porcupine, Atherurus macrourus in Thailand
  • Bang Lang National Park
  • Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Huai Yang Waterfall National Park
  • Kaeng Krachan National Park
  • Kathu District, Phuket
  • Khao Chamao - Khao Wong National Park
  • Khao Luang National Park
  • Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Khao Sok National Park
  • Khao Yai National Park
  • Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Kui Buri National Park
  • Royal Chumphon Forest Park
  • Sadeth Naikrom - Krom Luang Wildlife Sanctuary
  • San Kala Khiri National Park
  • Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi
Range map of Atherurus macrourus in Thailand