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IUCN status: Least ConcernJavan Porcupine at a glance
The Javan Porcupine (Hystrix javanica) is a mammal in the family Hystricidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in Java (incl. Madura), Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Rinca and Tanah Jampea; probably introduced in south-west Sulawesi. Diet: tubers, buds, bamboo shoots, fruit and fern shoots; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Hystrix javanica |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Landak Jawa |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Hystricidae |
| Observation records | West Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara |
| Taxonomic group | Rodentia |
| GBIF records | 18 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 71 |
| Endemic range | Java (including Madura), Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Rinca and Tanah Jampea; also recorded in south-west Sulawesi, probably introduced · Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Vol. 6 (via Plazi/Zenodo) — Sunda Porcupine, Hystrix javanica |
| Longest quills | 8–15.5 cm · Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Vol. 6 (via Plazi/Zenodo) — Sunda Porcupine, Hystrix javanica |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — tubers, buds, bamboo shoots, fruit and fern shoots · Biodiversitas journal |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — Java (incl. Madura), Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Rinca and Tanah Jampea; probably introduced in south-west Sulawesi · Handbook of the Mammals of the World (via Zenodo) |
In this guide (12)
What is the Javan Porcupine?
Javan Porcupine refers to Hystrix javanica, in the genus Hystrix, family Hystricidae, and order Rodentia. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Javan Porcupine?
The Javan or Sunda porcupine is an Indonesian rodent with defensive quills; it is endemic to Java, Bali and the Lesser Sunda Islands and lives mainly in lowlands, including secondary and degraded habitats.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Handbook of the Mammals of the World — Sunda porcupine (via Zenodo) ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Javan Porcupine?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 18 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include West Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Javan Porcupine?
Watch from a distance, do not feed, and avoid sharing precise locations of vulnerable dens or resting sites. Do not try to catch or touch wild mammals. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Javan Porcupine with Whitish Dwarf Squirrel, Prevost's Squirrel, Plantain Squirrel. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the Javan Porcupine
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Rodentia |
| Family | Hystricidae |
| Genus | Hystrix |
| Species | Hystrix javanica |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Javan Porcupine
What is the scientific name of the Javan Porcupine?
The scientific name of the Javan Porcupine is Hystrix javanica, in the family Hystricidae and the order Rodentia. In Indonesian it is called Landak Jawa.
What kind of animal is the Javan Porcupine?
The Javan Porcupine is a mammal in the family Hystricidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a tubers, buds, bamboo shoots, fruit and fern shoots. It is also endemic to Indonesia.
Where does the Javan Porcupine live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Javan Porcupine summarised in this guide mainly come from West Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara. That list is not a complete range map.
The Javan Porcupine is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in Java (incl. Madura), Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Rinca and Tanah Jampea; probably introduced in south-west Sulawesi. Source: Handbook of the Mammals of the World (via Zenodo).
What does the Javan Porcupine eat?
The Javan Porcupine is a tubers, buds, bamboo shoots, fruit and fern shoots. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: Biodiversitas journal.
How does the Javan Porcupine reproduce?
The Javan Porcupine reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
Is the Javan Porcupine nocturnal?
The cited source records the Javan Porcupine as nocturnal (active at night). Source: EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Javan Porcupine?
Scientific classification of the Javan Porcupine: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Rodentia, family Hystricidae, genus Hystrix, species Hystrix javanica.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Javan Porcupine endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Javan Porcupine is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the Javan Porcupine protected in Indonesia?
Is the Javan Porcupine protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The Javan Porcupine (Hystrix javanica) is a protected species in Indonesia under Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species (annex, entry 71).
Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.
If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the local BKSDA office.
Can the Javan Porcupine be kept as a pet?
No. Because the Javan Porcupine is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.
If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the local BKSDA office.
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- Handbook of the Mammals of the World — Sunda porcupine (via Zenodo) ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi ↗
- Biodiversitas journal ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Further reading
Porcupine: facts, threats and conservation ↗ — World Animal Rescue Network. A broader overview that covers this animal.
Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network.
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Javan Porcupine (Hystrix javanica). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hystrix-javanica/