Book
This comprehensive manual outlines guidelines for the commercial farming of the Malayan Porcupine (Hystrix brachyura), published by Malaysia's Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN). Classified as a vulnerable species, it is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972/76, requiring special permits from the Ministry for capturing, breeding, keeping, or trading. Farming satisfies the high market demand for its high-protein meat while curbing wild poaching.
Adult porcupines weigh 10–12 kg and can survive up to 27 years in captivity. To maximize reproductive output, the intensive management system recommends housing one male with 2–4 females. Their captive omnivorous diet consists of a cost-effective mix of commercial horse or cattle pellets alongside local vegetation like jackfruit and inchum leaves. Porcupines reach sexual maturity at 8–12 months, followed by a 94–112 day gestation that yields 1–4 pups. Separate nursery enclosures are vital to prevent stress-induced infanticide.
Health challenges primarily stem from trauma due to fighting. Herd management uses ear notches, tattoos, or subcutaneous microchips for long-term identification. Furthermore, sustainability policies require vendors to return a portion of captive-bred offspring to PERHILITAN for conservation purposes.
