Demography and behavioral ecology of the Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) in Punjab

This study investigated the population density, spatial and temporal distribution, courtship behavior, reproductive ecology, and parental care dynamics of Indian crested porcupines (Hystrix indica) across diverse habitats in Punjab, Pakistan, from 2019 to 2021. The median population density across surveyed sites was 3 individuals/km², with higher densities in irrigated forest plantations and sub-mountainous regions compared to agricultural and desert ecosystems. Temporal analysis revealed significant seasonal variation, with peak activity in summer (4.98 sightings/km²) and the lowest in fall (2.04 sightings/km²). Reproductive activity was year-round, with peaks in February (singletons) and July (twins/triplets), likely linked to resource availability. Courtship behavior analysis revealed significant positive correlation between mounting and copulation, with mounting activity peaking in February–April. Parental care behaviors were predominantly performed by both males and females together, followed by females alone, males alone, sub-adults/juveniles, and non-descript members, with significant variability across families (P < 0.001). These findings highlight the influence of seasonal and social factors on porcupine behavior, emphasizing the species’ adaptability to diverse ecological conditions and the collaborative nature of parental care in porcupine families.