Mammal · GBIF taxon 2439429
Long-tailed Porcupine
Trichys fasciculataAlso known as Bornean Long-Tailed Porcupine, Trichys Porcupine
Long-tailed porcupines resemble stout forest rats at first glance, featuring flattened, flexible quills interspersed with dark fur rather than the massive spines of typical Old World porcupines. They are agile nocturnal climbers that navigate low tree branches and forest floors in search of fallen fruits, seeds, and tender shoots. Their exceptionally long scaly tail lacks spines entirely, ending in a tuft of bristles that can rattle quietly when disturbed.
NocturnalTree-DwellingMammal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Fallen Fruits
- Seeds and Nuts
- Plant Shoots
Predators
- Reticulated Python
- Leopard Cat
- Clouded Leopard
ThreatsDeforestation, habitat fragmentation, hunting
HabitatsTropical primary rainforests, hill forests, agricultural edges
Life span10–15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyHystricidae
- SpeciesTrichys fasciculata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Shy nocturnal animal; can bite or scratch if cornered or handled.
Responsible observation
- Night Spotting: Look for active individuals on the rainforest floor or low branches after dusk using a red-filtered light.
- Maintain Distance: Allow these elusive mammals room to retreat into dense cover without blocking their path.
Image unavailableIsland Neighbor Close Relative 
Sympatric Relative Rushenb / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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