Johor Perhilitan: Only 10 licences for captive breeding of porcupines

Aminuddin: The open season for hunting Malayan porcupines in other states is from May 1 to Aug 31.

JOHOR is the only state in Peninsular Malaysia which does not allow the issuing of licences to hunt Malayan porcupines in its forests.

State Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Aminuddin Jamin said the Malayan porcupine was listed in the First Schedule under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716), which means it is a protected species.

“Any activity like keeping the animal requires a licence from Perhilitan.

“However, the Malayan porcupine is also listed as a game wildlife whereby this species can be hunted during open season, which is allowed under the Wildlife Conservation (Open Season, Methods and Time of Hunting) Order 2014,” he said, adding this would apply to other states but not Johor.

“The annual open season for hunting Malayan porcupines is from May 1 until Aug 31.

“During this period, selling of live porcupines is allowed,” said Aminuddin.

He said a licence was also required to carry out breeding activities, as stated in Section 10 of Act 716.

“Granting permits for breeding activities can reduce dependence on natural resources in the forest.

“People interested in keeping Malayan porcupines as pets or as a source of food can obtain them legally through licensed breeders.

“As of this month, there are only 10 individuals with valid captive breeding licences for the Malayan porcupine in Johor,” he said.

He added that those interested to become commercial breeders could consult Perhilitan.

In the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the conservation status of the Malayan porcupine is listed as “of least concern.”

It is found not only in forests but also plantations bordering them.

Aminuddin said the offspring of Malayan porcupine bred commercially could be sold.

Some are also released into their natural habitat in collaboration with Perhilitan.