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Spatial patterns of activity of free ranging Indian crested porcupines (Hystrix indica) in the coastal plain of Israel (Mediterranean region) were monitored for 21 months, by radio telemetry and by direct observation. The mean weight of captured porcupines was 13.9 kg and a density was found of 4 porcupines per km2. Home ranges of three pairs and four solitary males were defined, in an area of dense human population, including transportation lines, agricultural and natural areas. A difference in size of home range of the pairs was found according to their habitat: Two pairs in agricultural areas had a home-range of about half the size of that belonging to a pair that inhabited a natural area (0.375 km2, 0.487 km2, vs. 1.215 km2). During the daytime the pairs remained in their dens, emerging at sunset. Throughout their nocturnal activity both partners remained close to each other. The porcupines dug for geophytes or foraged on agricultural crops at a certain spot in their home range, returning towards dawn to the same den that they had left in the evening.

The movement pattern of a solitary male differed from that of pairs. It was active for a limited period in a sub home range and then wandered around (up to 8 km), defining an additional sub home range. When a solitary male found a female partner, they established a pairbond and demonstrated the same spatial pattern described for pairs.

Other differences between pairs and solitary males were found in the choice of shelter sites and in walking distances. Couples remained only in underground shelters during the day, while solitary males also used surface shelters (dense shrub, etc.). Average distance travelled per night was shorter for a pair than for solitary males (1 684 m vs. 2 310 m). A paired porcupine did not invade another pair’s home range, but the activity of solitary males in a pair’s home range might indicate that these males are not territorial. Temperature, humidity, rainfall and moonlight did not influence the movement pattern of the porcupines in the Tel Aviv area.

The present findings concerning the porcupines in the coastal plain of Israel are discussed and compared to porcupines in the desert area of Israel, and to populations elsewhere in Asia and to other species of porcupines.