Nuove segnalazioni di istrice Hystrix cristata in Piemonte, con particolare riferimento alla provincia di Torino.

In this work, we report the first data of occurrence of Hystrix cristata L. in the Province of Turin (Central Piedmont). The presence has been confirmed by the direct observations of two adult individuals crossing the road. Such data further expand the extent of occurrence of this rodent by over 70 km in linear distance to the north-east. We suggest that these individuals may be derived from local escapes, as very far from the nearest breeding population. On the other hand, given the nocturnal habits and the elusivity of the crested porcupines, which may reduce its detectability, it is not possible to exclude a natural range expansion from Southern and Western Piedmont.