Trade of skulls as novelty and aquarium objects are an additional threat to porcupines

Abstract

The commercial exploitation of wildlife affects many species, including porcupines that are traded for meat, as pets, and for medicinal purposes. Here we report on a novel trade in Sunda Porcupine Hystrix javanica skulls in Bali specifically for curios and as aquarium novelty objects. Since 2018, the species is protected within Indonesia and the sale of skulls is illegal. Between December 2022 and November 2023, we visited wildlife shops in seven towns, and conducted a survey of online sellers. We recorded 44 porcupine skulls in 11 shops and 10 skulls online. Skulls sold as curios were intricately carved and were priced at USD 61, whereas skulls sold as hiding caves for aquarium fish were not carved and priced at USD 22. Porcupine skulls were sourced from Bali and Java. Especially the carved skulls are marketed primarily for international tourists and may be inadvertently taken abroad. The novel trade in skulls adds to a multitude of threats faced by porcupines, and there is a need for improved regulations and enforcement against illegal trade. Appropriate mitigation measures need to be developed to protect porcupines from unsustainable and illegal exploitation and will require the full operation of the commercial sector, local and national governments, the tourism industry and the Indonesian public.