Ecology and status of the sulawesi palm civet Macrogalidia musschenbroekii schlegel

Abstract

The endemic palm civet Macrogalidia musschenbroekii of Sulawesi (formerly Celebes) is considered rare and among the least known of carnivores. Information gathered over a 30-month period in Northern and Central Sulawesi revealed that it coexists with the more abundant Malay civet Viverra tangalunga, but occurs chiefly in primary forest from sea level to Upper Montane Rain Forest and Elfin Forest. The Malay civet is associated primarily with villages, cultivated land, and secondary growth, as well as primary forest. The species are distinguishable by animal signs such as tracks, latrines, and tree scratchings. Scat analysis and feeding trials with captive civets reveal that Macrogalidia feeds mainly on small mammals and fruit, especially of palms, while Viverra feeds predominantly on small vertebrates with a more selective appetite for fruit. Circumstantial evidence suggests that individual Macrogalidia range over relatively large areas. The species appears to be neither abundant nor scarce. Lowland populations of Macrogalidia could be strongly affected by timber cutting and land cultivation, but there is no immediate threat to montane habitats.