Primi indizi di riproduzione di istrice, Hystrix cristata, in Veneto. (RODENTIA: HYSTRICIDAE)

The crested porcupine, Hystrix cristata (L. 1758) has recently expanded northwards and reached the Liguria, Lombardy and Veneto regions in a short time span. Within the Veneto region, this species is known since mid Eighties, in the plain and hilly areas of Verona, Rovigo, Vicenza and Venice provinces. The present study provides an update of the presence of the species in the province of Verona and suggests that the Crested porcupine is now fully established within this territory. This is confirmed by the finding of a young, 8-10 month old, female. This is the first evidence of probable reproductive success of the species in the province of Verona, as well as within the whole Veneto region.