Indian Crested Porcupines Spotted by Camera Trap in Ile-Alatau National Park

A camera trap in Ile-Alatau State National Natural Park filmed three Indian porcupines, a species listed in the Red List of Kazakhstan. The rare animals were captured on camera during the day, which is considered a successful outcome of the monitoring efforts, Orda.kz reports

According to park officials, the Indian porcupine inhabits the western part of the park and is categorized as Category IV in the Red List of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is the only representative of the porcupine family in Kazakhstani fauna; therefore, its protection is particularly important.

The porcupines prefer deciduous forests at altitudes of 1,200–1,700 metres. During winter, they opt for southern slopes with light snow cover and dense vegetation. Porcupines either dig burrows or take shelter in rock crevices. They are primarily active at night.

Their diet consists mainly of plants, roots, tubers, fruits and seeds. They breed in spring. They do not hibernate in winter, but their activity levels decrease during the coldest months.

According to census data, there are currently 32 porcupines registered within the park. Specialists emphasize that preserving this rare species and its genetic diversity is a shared responsibility.

Original author: Rustam Muratov