Rare red-listed animals spotted in southern Kazakhstan
The video shows the porcupines wandering leisurely among rocks and shrubs to lively background music.
“The camera traps installed in the reserve recorded the rare Indian porcupine (Hystrix indica), a member of the rodent order (Rodentia) and the porcupine family (Hystricidae). This species is rare and poorly studied in Kazakhstan, classified as Category IV,” the reserve’s statement said.
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The footage was taken on November 2. According to the reserve, porcupines typically live in burrows, so camera traps are often placed nearby.
The red-listed Indian porcupines inhabit foothills, mountain gorges, and rocky uplands. They are most active at night. Despite having thousands of sharp quills, each quill weighs only about 100 grams. The animal has short legs but strong claws that help it dig burrows.
Far from harming nature, the species benefits the ecosystem.
“Porcupines gnaw on trees and leave behind broken branches, which later serve as shelter for other animals. Birds, for example, find ready-made hollows in them to nest,” the reserve explained.
Since no fruits or crops are grown within the protected area, porcupines do not cause any agricultural damage. Their diet consists solely of natural woody and shrubby plants.
According to the latest spring survey, around 40 Indian porcupines currently inhabit the Karatau Nature Reserve. To help preserve the species, rangers continue to install camera traps and monitor their habitat conditions regularly.