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PanduanHewanKENALI · PEDULI · LINDUNGI
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PANDUANHEWAN · INDONESIA

Javan Porcupine

Javan Porcupine (Hystrix javanica). The Javan or Sunda porcupine is an Indonesian rodent with defensive quills; West Java research records secondary forest and land near farms.

PanduanHewan·Updated 23 September 2026·Hystrix javanica
About this guideThis guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.
Photograph of Javan Porcupine (Hystrix javanica).
(c) Jason Alexander, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY 4.0 · Photograph cropped for layout.

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.

Evidence: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗

What is known about the Javan Porcupine?

The Javan or Sunda porcupine is an Indonesian rodent with defensive quills; West Java research records secondary forest and land near farms.

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: IPB University — Javan porcupine ecology in Indonesian forest and farmland ↗

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 Jawa Barat, Bali, Nusa Tenggara Barat. 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.

Sources & references

  1. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
  2. GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
  3. IPB University — Javan porcupine ecology in Indonesian forest and farmland ↗
  4. iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
  5. Species account — background reading ↗

References can change. Check dates and context in the original source.