Indian Civet Research Articles

The Mammals of Sriharikota Island, Southern India, with Insights into their Status, Population, and Distribution

Inventory surveys, transect surveys (day), and roadside surveys (night) were carried out from November 2001 to October 2007, to document the mammalian fauna of Sriharikota and assess their population and distribution in the island. The surveys covered four habitat types, namely tropical dry evergreen forest (TDEF), open scrub, eucalyptus, and casuarina plantations. Twenty-eight species of mammals were recorded; most of which are common or widely distributed in India. The records of the Rusty-spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus and Grey Slender Loris Loris lydekkerianus in Sriharikota are of conservation interest. The Bonnet Macaque Macaca radiata and the nocturnal Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica were not recorded in plantations. The encounter rate of the Three-striped Palm Squirrel Funambulus palmarum was higher in forests than in plantations (Mann-Whitney U=1067, p<0.001), and within the natural habitat, it was more in TDEF than in open scrub (Mann Whitney U=288.0, p<0.05). The encounter rates of the Golden Jackal Canis aureus and Indian Hare Lepus ( Indolagus ) nigricollis were higher in natural habitat than in plantations (Mann-Whitney U=1390, p<0.01 and U=1536, p<0.05, respectively). The takeover of the Island by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and its high security status has overall been a boon for the wildlife and their habitats. However, the issue of plantations, and expansion plans of the spaceport that will involve loss of forests are threats that call for a long-term conservation plan.

Small carnivores in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

The leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis, large Indian civet Viverra zibetha and yellow-throated marten Martes flavigula are widely distributed through much of South and Southeast Asia, but their ecology remains poorly understood. We recorded these small carnivores during a camera trapping survey in the eastern mid-hills of the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal. This protected area is the largest in the country and represents Himalayan mountain ecosystems. Our study area comprised an elevation range of 1550 – 2950 m in upper subtropical to upper temperate bioclimatic zones. During a sample effort of 370 trap days, leopard cat was the most commonly recorded carnivore, followed by large Indian civet and yellow-throated marten. We obtained the highest altitudinal record of a large Indian civet in Nepal at an altitude of 2420 m. Capture rates for small carnivores were broadly similar across bioclimatic zones. The level of human activity was low in the temperate bioclimatic zone during the late winter season when the study was conducted.

Predicted distributions and ecological niches of 8 civet and mongoose species in Southeast Asia

Abstract Although Southeast Asia has a high diversity of small carnivore species, little is known about their distributions and ecology, and several species are now threatened with extinction. We predicted the distributions of 8 civet and mongoose species within Southeast Asia using ecological niche modeling, determined their habitat/elevation niche preferences, examined the interspecific differences in these 2 niche parameters, and investigated possible factors that could have affected these distribution and niche patterns. We found a tendency for each civet and mongoose species to separate spatially from related species on geographical, habitat, and elevation gradients, and that 3 pairs of civet and mongoose species showed similar distribution patterns and habitat/elevation preferences. The large Indian civet (Viverra zibetha) and crab-eating mongoose (Herpestes urva) have similar distributions throughout mainland Southeast Asia, are found over a broad range of elevations, and occur primarily in evergre...

Karyotype Study of 5 Species of the Family Viverridae in Thailand by High Resolution GTG-Banding Technique

As endangered species in Thailand, the wild animal species of the common palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphrodites), masked palm civet (Paguma larvata), large Indian civet (Viverra zibetha), large-spotted civet (Viverra megaspila), and binturong (Arctictis binturong) were selected for karyological study. Blood samples were taken from 1 male and 1 female of each species. After the standard whole blood lymphocyte culture in the presence of colchicine, the prometaphase spreads were performed on microscopic slides and air-dried. High resolution GTG-banding technique was applied to stain the chromosomes. The results showed that 2n (diploid) of Par. hermaphrodites, Pag. larvata, V. zibetha, V. megaspila and A. binturong were 42, 44, 38, 38, and 42, respectively. The autosomes presence of metacentric, submetacentric, acrocentric and telocentric autosomes were 6-10-14-10, 6-8-12-16, 8-6-18-4, 4-12-16-4 and 6-12-4-18, respectively. The X chromosome were submetacentric, submetacentric, metacentric, submetacentric and metacentric, and the Y chromosome were submetacentric, acrocentric, telocentric, telocentric and acrocentric chromosome, respectively. The numbers of bands in one set of prometaphase haploid chromosomes from the high resolution GTG-banding technique were 233, 262, 198, 222, and 247 bands, respectively and each chromosome pair could be clearly differentiated.

Carnivores (Mammalia: Carnivora) in South China: a status review with notes on the commercial trade

1 Evidence from the literature, interviews, market surveys, general rapid field surveys and camera trapping was reviewed to infer the regional status of 33 recorded carnivores in South China (Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, Hong Kong and Macau). 2 The carnivore fauna in South China is among the most depleted for any continental area in the world. 3 The tiger Panthera tigris, leopard Panthera pardus, grey wolf Canis lupus and binturong Arctictis binturong are probably extirpated. 4 The dhole Cuon alpinus, Asiatic golden cat Catopuma temmincki and clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa are at great risk of regional extirpation, as are the more ecologically adaptable red fox Vulpes vulpes, raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides, Asian badger Meles leucurus, Eurasian otter Lutra lutra, Oriental small-clawed otter Aonyx cinereus and large Indian civet Viverra zibetha. 5 Though more widely reported, the Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus, yellow-throated marten Martes flavigula, hog badger Arctonyx collaris and Siberian weasel Mustela sibirica are at regional risk. 6 The status of the Burmese ferret-badger Melogale personata, stripe-backed weasel Mustela strigidorsa, smooth-coated otter Lutrogale perspicillata, large-spotted civet Viverra megaspila and Owston's palm civet Chrotogale owstoni is uncertain due to inadequate information. 7 Five carnivore species – the Chinese ferret-badger Melogale moschata, masked palm civet Paguma larvata, yellow-bellied weasel Mustela kathiah, small Indian civet Viverricula indica and leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis– are relatively secure (though not common) in the region, along with the Asian palm civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus and the Javan mongoose Herpestes javanicus in some areas, while the spotted linsang Prionodon pardicolor and crab-eating mongoose Herpestes urva may have been under-reported. 8 The main threats have been habitat destruction and unsustainable exploitation. Only in Hong Kong, where enforcement of protection legislation has been stronger, are the surviving carnivore species easily encountered. 9 Improved enforcement and monitoring are essential to retaining the remainder of South China's carnivores. Support could be boosted by conservation education and better research.

Morphology, cytochemistry and ultra-structure of blood cells in large Indian civet Viverra zibetha (Carnivora, Viverridae)

Viverra zibetha, also known as the large Indian civet, is found from Indochina to southern China. This species is listed as Near Threatened. Blood samples from four adult (two males and two females) large Indian civets in Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Thailand, were prepared for morphological, cytochemical and ultra-structural observation. The red blood cells showed marked anisocytosis, with a mean diameter of 5.0 µm. The cytochemical staining (Sudan black B, peroxidase, α-naphthyl acetate esterase and β-glucuronidase) patterns of leukocytes and haematology were summarised. Eosinophils contained numerous short rod, red refractive granules. Eosinophils lacked sudanophilia and peroxidase activity. Under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), eosinophils showed rod-shaped granular surfaces. Ultra-structurally, these granules contained lamellar components. Basophils had dull grey, round to oval granules. Under SEM, the basophil surface was smooth with pleomorphic granular contours. Ultra-structurally, the basophil granules contained crystalloid components. Neutrophil engulfed red blood cells, and a sac of eosinophil granules was observed under a transmission electron microscope. These results provide more information on morphological, cytochemical and ultra-structural characteristics of blood cells in large Indian civets.

A Survey on the Faunal Diversity of Savar Upazila, Dhaka, Bangladesh

A survey was conducted during January to December 2006 to assess the status of faunal diversity of Savar Upazila, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 30 species of birds, 24 species of winter birds, 7 species of reptiles, 3 species of amphibians, 15 species of mammalians and 32 species of fishes were recorded. Relative abundance of those species were determined. Of the birds, House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) was abundant while Blyth's Kingfisher (Alcedo hercules), Rock Eagle Owl (Bubo bengalensis), Hooded Pitta (Pitta sordida), Black-headed Oriole (Oriolus xanthornus), White-winged Duck (Cairina seululala) and Duck (Anser indicus) were rare. The relative abundance of winter bird could not be assessed because of their migratory habit. Striped keelback (Amphiesma stolata) and Common Smooth Water Snake (Enhydris enhydris) were very common while Black pond turtle (Geoclyms hamiltonii) and Pond tortoise (Melanochelys trijuga) were recorded as endangered. Common Toad (Bufo melanostictus) were abundant but Bull Frog (Rana tigrina) was rare. Asiatic Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus) and House Mouse (Mus musculus) were abundant while Common Otter, Large Indian Civet, Irrawaddy River Dolphin, Indian Hare were rare. Carpu, Silver carp, Tilapia, Nilotica were abundant while, Freshwater Garfish, One stripe spinyeel and Grey Featherback were rare. Landfilling, deforestation, poaching, industrial effluents and current jal were identified as major threats to the faunal diversity of Savar area.

First chromosome characterization in the large indian civet, Viverra zibetha (Carnivora, Viverridae) in Thailand by conventional staining and GTG-banded technique

This research was the first cytogenetic study of large Indian civet (Viverra zibetha) in Thailand. Blood samples of the species were taken from two males and one female kept in Songkhla Zoo, Songkhla province, Thai- land. After the standard whole blood lymphocyte culture in presence of colchicine, the metaphase spreads were performed on microscopic slides and air-dried. Conventional staining and GTG-banded technique were applied to stain the chromosomes. The karyotype of large Indian civet show that diploid chromosome number was 2n=38, and the fundamental number (NF) were 72 in female and 71 in male. The autosomes consist of 4 large metacentric, 10 large submetacentric, 10 large acrocentric, 2 large telocentric, 2 medium metacentric, 2 medium acrocentric, 4 small acrocentric and 2 small telocentric chromosomes. The X chromosome was large submetacentric and the Y chromosome was the smallest telocentric chromosome. Idiogram represent banding pattern at the metaphase chromosome was 345 bands and found that chromosome pairs 13 was the satellite marker chromosome that have secondary constriction on long length arm. These results will be useful for future studies of breeding, conservation, chromosome evolution and basic genetics information in this species.

Comparative Karyotypic Studies on Three Species of the Subfamily Viverrinae in Thailand

Summary Comparative karyotypic studies on 3 species, large-spotted civet (Viverra megaspila), large Indian civet (V. zibetha) and small Indian civet (Viverricular indica) using conventional staining and G-banding patterns were investigated. Blood samples taken from Khao Khiew and Dusit Zoo were examined using lymphocyte culture techniques. The results indicate that the number of diploid chromosome of large-spotted civet, large Indian civet and small Indian civet are 38, 38, and 36, respectively. The fundamental number (NF) are 72 for female and 71 for male, 72 for female, and 70 for female and 69 for male. The type number of autosomes, metacentric, submetacentric, acrocentric and telocentric chromosomes are 10-10-12-4, 10-10-12-4 and 10-12-10-2, respectively. Chromosome pairs 15, 17 and 17 are satellite chromosomes. The X and Y chromosomes are submetacentric and telocentric for large-spotted civet and small Indian civet, whereas. The X and Y chromosome are not known for large Indian civet. In addition, G-banding techniques show that there are 143, 148 and 145 banding patterns which are able to chromosomal classify of these 3 species. Large-spotted civet, large Indian civet and small Indian civet are members of family Viverridae. The family has only 3 subfamilies, 9 genera and 11 species in Thailand. Really, Thailand is a country with high biodiversity, resulting from its varying ecosystems and forests. It has been estimated that there may be up to 100,000 wildlife species in Thailand as well as many unknown plant species. Unfortunately, rushed economic development and social welfare has led to vast destruction of Thailand’s forest and wild life resources. Many wildlife species have become extinct due to loss of habitat, hunting for food, trade and export. One such example is civets, whose numbers are rapidly deteriorating. Masked palm civet, binturong, Asian palm civet and small-toothed palm civet are members of the subfamily Paradoxurinae whereas large-spotted civet, large Indian civet and small Indian civet are members of the subfamily Viverrinae. These civets are in the present rarity. Their situation causes as well great difficulty in obtaining blood samples for cytogenetic studies. Wuster and Benirschke (1967) studied the cytogenetics of masked palm civet, binturong, and Asian palm civet, and their results showed the number of diploid chromosome 44, 42, and 42, respectively. The karyotypes indicate that masked palm civet have 22 metacentrics and submetacentrics, 20 acrocentrics and telocentrics, and metacentric and submetacentrics X and Y chromosomes. Binturong shows NF of 68 for both male and female and karyotypes of 22 metacentrics and submetacentric, 18 acrocentrics and telocentrics, and medium metacentric and small metacentric X and Y chromosomes. Asian palm civet was reported to have NF of 66 for both male and female, X

Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) parasitizing wild carnivores in Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand.

Ixodid ticks were collected and identified from 8 wild carnivore species in Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, northeastern Thailand. Six tick species belonging to 4 genera were recovered and identified from 132 individuals. These included Amblyomma testudinarium (n = 36), Haemaphysalis asiatica (n = 58), H. hystricis (n = 31), H. semermis (n = 3), Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (n = 3), and Ixodes granulatus (n = 1). Leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) (n = 19) were infested with 4 tick species, whereas yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula) (n = 4), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) (n = 2), and dhole (Cuon alpinus) (n = 1) were infested with 3 tick species, Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temmincki) (n = 2) with 2 species, and marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata), binturong (Arctictis binturong), and large Indian civet (Viverra zibetha) each infested with 1 species. This information contributes to the knowledge available on the ectoparasites of wild carnivores in Southeast Asia.

A note on the breeding of the Large Indian civet Viverra zibetha at Ahmedabad Zoo

A note on the breeding of the Large Indian civet <i>Viverra zibetha</i> at Ahmedabad Zoo