Current study aimed to assess the dietary preferences and the extent of plant damage caused by Indian crested porcupines across diverse ecological zones. Field surveys were conducted in 12 locations representing irrigated forest plantations, sub-mountainous tracts, desert ecosystems, and agricultural areas. Vegetation samples, fecal pellets, and live porcupine pairs were collected and analyzed microscopically to identify plant species in their diet from stomach and fecal contents. Damage assessments were carried out using systematic transect and quadrate methods. During Spring season, Bombix ceiba (23.34%), Mangifera indica (11.33%), Melia azedarach (11.67%) and Triticum aestivum (7.66%) were the most notably consumed species. Whereas, Morus alba (11.59%), Sorghum vulgaris (11.18%), Cucurbita maxima (9.99%) dominated the dietary regiment during Summers. However, as Fall season arrived, dietary preferences shifted towards Cucurbita maxima (21.27%), Zea mays (19.78%), and Cucumis melo (5.74%). Specific plant parts such as Stems (111, 28.5%) were favored more during Fall, while dietary preference for Pods (18, 4.6%) increased slightly relative to summer. In Faisalabad, wheat was significantly damaged more than onion (0.0427), Barley than Tomato (0.0287), and Sugarcane than Tomato (<0.0001). Whereas in Qadirabad, Percentage damage to Mustard was greatest and significantly different from onion (0.0002). Bombax ceiba was found to be most susceptible to porcupine damage in Daphar (33.16%) and Changa Manga (30.69%) Forests. However, other trees like Albizzia procera and Acacia nilotica exhibited relatively lower damage percentages, indicating a possible resistance or lower preference by the porcupines. Statistical analyses highlighted significant seasonal and ecological variations in dietary preferences and damage patterns. Non-lethal management strategies, increased community awareness, and habitat management were recommended to mitigate the impact of porcupine activity. Future research should focus on long-term monitoring and the development of sustainable pest control methods, including the potential use of natural predators and habitat manipulation to reduce crop and forest damage.