Behaviour indicative of coprophagy in zoo-managed porcupine (Hystrix indica)

Abstract

Although all hystricomorph rodents have the colonic furrow or groove that is the anatomical prerequisite for a ‘mucous trap’ colonic separation mechanism linked to coprophagy or cecotrophy, the taxon that gives this group its name, the porcupines, have been claimed to not practice coprophagy. Absence of coprophagy has repeatedly been claimed for hystricomorph species in which it was later confirmed. Here, we report the observation of a characteristic posture—sitting on one hindleg, with the other hindleg lifted and the snout covering the anogenital region—that is the typical posture during coprophagy in other large hystricomorph rodents, in two zoo-managed Indian crested porcupines (Hystrix indica). Together with other circumstantial evidence, these observations are suggestive of coprophagy in porcupines, and support claims that it may be wise to assume all hystricomorph rodents can use this strategy.