Distribution, Habitat Preference and Conservation Threats of Porcupine (Hystrix Spp.) in Mahankal Rural Municipality, Lalitpur

Abstract

Porcupines play important ecological roles as ecosystem engineers, yet their distribution, habitat preference, and conservation challenges remain poorly documented in Nepal. This study assessed the distribution of porcupine burrows, habitat characteristics, human–porcupine conflict, and conservation threats in Mahankal Rural Municipality, Lalitpur. Primary data were collected through field surveys, burrow counts, household questionnaires (n = 85), key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. A total of 55 porcupine burrows were recorded across 12 randomly selected quadrats (500 m × 500 m), yielding an average burrow density of 18.33 burrows km⁻². Burrow distribution was strongly associated with proximity to cropland and forest edges, while fewer burrows occurred near roads and permanent water sources. Crop depredation emerged as the principal source of human–porcupine conflict, with a mean annual economic loss of NRs 9,488.24 per household, primarily affecting maize and potato. Despite economic losses, local attitudes toward porcupines were predominantly positive and significantly influenced by occupation, age, and gender. Habitat loss, land-use change, and infrastructure development were identified as major conservation threats. The study highlights the need for site-specific mitigation measures and landscape-level planning to reduce conflict while maintaining suitable porcupine habitat.