Trichys fasciculata

(Shaw, 1801)

Vernacular names
English : Long-tailed porcupine
French : Athérure à longue queue

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Rodentia
Family : Hystricidae
Notes : No subspecies known. Population from Borneo sometimes split into a different species, T. lipura.

Identification
Adults can reach a body length of 48 cm for a weight of 2,2 kg. Elongated body, long naked scaly tail with soft spines and very long white hair-tuft. Coloration grizzled brown with small spines on back and flanks, white on belly.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South-east Asia, in western Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and most of Borneo. Lives in lowland forests, cultivated and degraded habitats, to 1220 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is widespread and abundant. It can tolerate living in degraded habitats and isn’t overhunted at this time.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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