Wildlifeof Thailand
Asian Brush-tailed Porcupine
Hystricidae
Photo: (c) Ian Dugdale, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC-BY (May be cropped or resized)
Atherurus macrourus
Basic stats
Diet
Bark, roots, tubers, leaves, bulbs and fallen fruit, with occasional crops, insects and carrion
The Asian brush-tailed porcupine is a ground-dwelling rodent protected by defensive spines. It is highly adaptable where food and natural shelters are available and can also construct its own den. Family groups share trails, feeding areas, latrines and refuges, while individuals normally leave the shelter alone to forage after dark (Animal Diversity Web).
Its diet is mainly plant material, including bark, roots, tubers, leaves, bulbs and fallen fruit, although cultivated crops, insects and carrion are also recorded. It can run quickly and climb, and may travel widely when feeding conditions require it. Groups commonly contain an adult pair and young of different ages (Animal Diversity Web). It is Nationally Near Threatened (Thailand Red Data 2025).
Quick answers
- What does the Asian Brush-tailed Porcupine eat?
- Bark, roots, tubers, leaves, bulbs and fallen fruit, with occasional crops, insects and carrion