Title
Behaviour and movements of sympatric civet species in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand
Author(s)
Rabinowitz A.R.
Published
1991
Publisher
Journal of Zoology
Abstract
Radio-collared civets used overall areas ranging from 3.1-17 km2 with average monthly ranges from 0.72-5.4 km2. Average monthly ranges, home range centre shifts and activity radii showed a linear increase with weight and size of the individual, both within and between species. Despite individual differences, there were similar behavioural responses to extrinsic seasonal changes. Civets had activity levels of 50-55% and displayed nocturnal activity patterns. The 4 smallest civets used trees as resting sites extensively while the largest civet, Viverra zibetha, was always located on the ground. Faecal analysis indicated that civets fed on at least 18 fruiting tree species as well as rodents, insects and crabs. At least one of the fruits found in civet faeces, Cassia fistula, was not eaten by other major frugivores in the area. The civets showed a preference for mixed deciduous and dry evergreen forest over dry deciduous dipterocarp forest, which had a lower abundance of known food items. The role that civets play as seed dispersal agents may help in the maintenance and structuring of tropical forest communities. -from Author
Keywords
civet; home range; movement; seed dispersal; Thailand, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary

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