Indian crested porcupine

The Indian crested porcupine is a large rodent covered in sharp quills, found in parts of West and South Asia. Unlike most rodents, it has a distinctive crest of long, bristly hairs on its head. These nocturnal animals roam forests and grasslands, using their quills as a defense against predators.

• It belongs to the Old World porcupine family, Hystricidae.
• Its quills can be raised when threatened to appear larger.
• The species is not currently at risk of extinction.