Small Carnivores Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

In September 2021, the Cat Specialist Group completed the Red List Assessment for mainland clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa (Gray et al. 2021) for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species TM. Since the previous Red List assessment (Grassman et al. 2016), there have been several published studies investigating the range-wide distribution of remaining habitat and recent occurrence records (e.g., Macdonald et al. 2019, Petersen et al. 2020a). These assisted the most recent assessment, as did new published estimates on site-specific population densities (e.g., Singh & Macdonald 2017, Petersen et al. 2020b, Fig. 1.). This latest assessment resulted in the species maintaining its status as globally Vulnerable.

- by and +1
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- Southeast Asia, Forest Fragmentation, Carnivora, Environmental Sustainability

Understanding the effect of anthropogenic disturbance, and its interaction with carnivores and their prey, is crucial to support the conservation of threatened carnivores, particularly in rapidly changing landscapes. Based on systematic camera-trap sampling of four protected areas in Riau Province of central Sumatra, we assessed the habitat occupancy and spatiotemporal overlap between people, potential carnivore prey, and four threatened species of medium-sized or large carnivores: Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae), Malayan sun bears (Helarctos malayanus), dholes (Cuon alpinus), and Sunda clouded leopards (Neofelis diardi). To assess spatial overlap of target species, we used single-species occupancy models and applied a Species Interaction Factor (SIF) to conditional two-species occupancy models. We also used kernel density estimation (KDE) to assess temporal overlap among these species. Our habitat use models showed that altitude (elevation) strongly influenced the occupancy of all large carnivores and potential prey species. Except for Sunda clouded leopards, the occurrence of large carnivore species was positively related to the spatial co-occurrence of humans (SIF > 1). In addition, we found that sun bears and dholes both exhibited high spatial overlap with tigers, and that sun bears alone exhibited high temporal overlap with people. Our findings contribute to an improved understanding of the contemporary ecology of carnivores and their prey in rapidly changing, southeast Asian landscapes. Such knowledge is important to the conservation and recovery of large carnivores in conservation hotspots that are increasingly dominated by humans across Sumatra, as well as globally.

- by Anthony J Giordano
- •
- Indonesia, Wildlife Conservation, Large Carnivores, Felidae

Knowledge about the current distribution of
threatened and/or understudied species is a fundamental
component of conservation biology. Mapping species distributions
based on recent known occurrences is particularly
important for those that are rare or declining. Too
often, cryptic species go undetected throughout parts of
their range, whereas others just receive less research
attention. We used contemporary presence data for the
Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul), a small cryptic felid, to
characterize potential rangewide and regional habitat for
the species and identify those abiotic and biotic variables
most influencing its distribution. Several regions lacking
contemporary occurrence records contain potential habitat
for Pallas’s cats, including the Koh-i-Baba Mountains of
Afghanistan, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, steppes of Inner
Mongolia, Kunlun Mountains of China, and Tian Shan and
Pamir Mountains of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and China.
Some of these areas have not been included in prior rangewide
distribution assessments. The distribution of pikas
(Ochotona spp.), small mammals that likely represent a
critical prey species everywhere they are sympatric, was
the most important factor affecting the Pallas’s cat’s distribution.
This suggests Pallas’s cats may be prey specialists,
and that pika presence and habitat are critical
considerations for future Pallas’s cat surveys and in the
development of regional conservation actions.

- by Anthony J Giordano and +1
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- Species Distribution Models, Predator-Prey Interactions, Carnivora, Ecological Niche Modeling

To understand the real problem of human animal conflict a study was under taken to find the existence and diversity of wild animals present in the fringe villages. The study was conducted in three months from December 2011 to February 2012. Initially a reconnaissance survey was undertaken to identify the villages in Ooty and Coonoor taluk, where conflicts were most affected. Based on the survey, eight villages were selected for detailed study. Ten transect lines, each of 1km length were laid in the fringe areas of the sampled sites. The direct and indirect signs in these transects were identified and counted for evidence of the animals. The data were expressed for each kilometer of transect line and analyzed. The study shows that wild herbivores are roaming in the fringe area than the live stock. The existence of lesser cats and wild bear is more in the fringe area than the other carnivores like tiger or leopard. The correlation plot depicts the wild herbivores forms the main prey than the live stock. The present study thus questions the problem of conflicts and livestock loss as claimed by the people. Also suggests the conservation managers to undertake a mitigation measure only after a detailed study in the areas of conflicts.

- by Nazya Anwar
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- Small Carnivores
- by Alvaro García-Olaechea
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- Ecology, Large Carnivores, Tropical Dry Forests, Activity patterns
- by Girish Punjabi
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- Western Ghats, Small Carnivores

The fishing cat Prionailurus viverrinus is a small to medium-sized felid that ranges
across southern Asia from Pakistan east to Vietnam and south to the island of Java.
To date very little is known about the ecology and natural history of this species.
Here we document an adult albino fishing cat believed to have been captured in the
Hail Haor region of Sylhet Division, Bangladesh and propose that albinism may be
well established among fishing cats in the Haor Basin. We are unaware of any other
aberrant pelage patterns that have been documented in fishing cats.

- by Anthony J Giordano
- •
- Wetlands, Carnivora, Bangladesh, Felidae

Spotted Linsang Prionodon pardicolor has been rarely recorded in Nepal except for Hodgson’s collection in the 19th century and several sighting records in Chitwan National Park during the late 1970s and 1980s. A camera-trap record in Annapurna Conservation Area during a Mainland Clouded Leopard Neofelis nebulosa survey in January 2017, constitutes the first verifiable evidence of the species in the country since the nineteenth century. This authenticates the westernmost known limit of its current global distribution.

- by Jeevan Rai and +2
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- Nepal, Mammals, Camera Trapping, Small Carnivores
- by Daniel Willcox
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- Conservation Biology, Biodiversity Conservation, Small Carnivores, Small Wild Cats

On October 1st, 2006, at the Mangroves San Pedro de Vice –MSPV (Sechura, Piura - Peru) the first visual record
of Leopardus pajeros was made in the southern part of the area (05°31’09” S, 80°53’28” W). Subsequently, between August
and December of 2010, different tracks were recorded. On December 4th, 2010, the first photographic record was taken
at the MSPV with two nights/trap, being the first record for Piura department, the westernmost coordinates, the lowest
altitude above sea level (0 m), and the first associated with a wetland in Peru.

- by Alvaro García-Olaechea and +1
- •
- Wetlands, Tropical Dry Forests, Camera Trapping, Small Carnivores

Spring Cave is situated just below the Baboon Point escarpment in Elands Bay and is one of only a handful of central west coast sites with deposits dating to the Medieval Warm Anomaly (MWA, c. 1300-650 cal BP). This was a climatological period of global significance that brought hot and dry conditions to much of the South African west coast, an ecologically stressed period affecting people, animals and plants alike. Although Spring Cave also dates to before and after the MWA, a large amount of its deposits date to this period. Earlier research on the central west coast has shown that most MWA-dated sites are situated at high elevations and near the coast, and that such placement in the landscape allowed monitoring of the movement of game, predators, and groups of people with or without livestock. High mobility, seeking safety and shelter at higher elevations, and a close watch on the landscape were part of general adaptive strategies, but people at Spring Cave may have added repeated ritual slaughter of small carnivores to the range of coping mechanisms. Doing so, according to ethno-historical records among herding groups, would have brought good luck and well-being. When considering Spring Cave's entire sequence, broad late Holocene regional patterns are also confirmed: i) higher frequencies of exotic lithic raw materials before 3000 cal BP; and ii) greater emphasis on gathering limpets after 2000 BP, while mussels dominate assemblages before then. Moreover, metrical data on limpets, mussels and Cape rock lobster suggest that these species were not processed before their transport back to the cave, an observation at variance with barnacles and fish.

- by Antonieta Jerardino
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- Climate Change, Small Mammals, Archaeology of shell middens, Small Carnivores

Several standard reference works report the presence of Two-spotted Palm Civet Nandinia binotata on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. However, numerous field and bushmeat market surveys over the past 30 years have failed to record this species, hence raising concerns that it is either extremely rare or extirpated. This article reviews evidence for presence of N. binotata on Bioko and simultaneously remarks on the occurrence of four other small carnivores on this island. There is strong evidence that N. binotata, King Genet Genetta poensis, Large-spotted Genet Genetta maculata (sensu lato), and an otter (initially described as Lutra poensis) never occurred on Bioko. Central African Oyan Poiana richardsonii is the only mammalian carnivore (small or large) unequivocally recorded for Bioko. Anecdotal observations suggest that a second, unidentified, species of small carnivore may occur. Future field workers on Bioko are encouraged to obtain photographs of small carnivores, and to collect, preserve, and make known, any dead small carnivores they encounter.

- by Drew Cronin and +1
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- Conservation Biology, Africa, Ecology, Bushmeat Hunting
- by Hassan Al-Razi
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- Animal Behavior, Mammals, Animal breeding and genetics, Small Carnivores

Activity patterns among small carnivores are seldom studied, especially at multi-species and community levels. Herein we report them for five Neotropical small carnivores (Procyonidae, Mephitidae and Mustelidae) captured during 2005–2007 at photographic sampling stations from sea level to 3,600 m elevation in the Talamanca region of southern Costa Rica. We measured frequencies of capture for each species and estimated daily activity patterns by averaging site captures. Strong overlap was determined for Striped Hog-nosed Skunk Conepatus semistriatus and Northern Raccoon Procyon lotor, with the lowest similarity for White-nosed Coati Nasua narica and Kinkajou Potos flavus. All species combined, the animals were predominantly active during night but with two activity peaks—one in the afternoon (14h00–15h00) and one before dawn (03h00–04h00). This defined separation among the small carnivore assemblage for the Talamanca forests suggests a probable relationship with resource distribution at the ecosystem level (prey and foraging competition). The basic knowledge thus gained shows the importance of recording and analysing data on tropical forest small carnivore community ecology from camera-trap studies.

- by Jan Schipper and +2
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- Costa Rica, Activity patterns, Small Carnivores, Small Carnivores Ecology

The Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest is a biodiverse ecoregion that has seen major agricultural growth in the last 40 years, particularly in eastern Paraguay. Large tracts of forest have been transformed into crop land and the only remaining forested areas have been relegated almost exclusively to nature reserves or protected areas. Here we present a remarkable camera-trap record of bush dogs (Speothos venaticus) from the first systematic survey of terrestrial mammals performed within the eight private protected areas managed by ITAIPU Binacional, a hydroelectric entity administered by the governments of Paraguay and Brazil. The purpose of our ongoing study is to collect presence data on the community of medium- and large-bodied mammals in these protected areas, which constitute some of the most significant fragments of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest in eastern Paraguay and have previously never been surveyed using camera-traps. We recorded photos of 1-2 individ-ual bush dogs, locally known as the “jagua yvyguy,” an elusive canid species, in the Carapã Nature Reserve in May 2018. Presence of this species in the Itaipu Area of Influence was first documented in 1979. Since then, its presence has been reported only through opportunistic sightings and never photographically. Given the high levels of deforestation and poaching the region has experienced in recent decades, this record suggests a travel corridor if not a potential population in the Carapã Nature Reserve. We hope to continue collecting data on this species through camera-traps and other methods to better inform potential management decisions and conservation strategies that will benefit the continued persistence of this regionally endangered carnivore.

- by Anthony J Giordano
- •
- Paraguay, Biodiversity, Carnivora, Carnivore Ecology

Yellow-throated Marten (Martes flavigula) has a wide geographic distribution, but little is known about its ecology and behaviour.
A camera-trap survey in and around Chitwan National Park, Nepal, photographed a solitary Marten carrying a Small Indian Civet (Viverricula indica). The animal was in a grassland patch amid Sal (Shorea robusta) forest. It is unclear whether the Marten killed the Civet. Recent camera-trap surveys suggest that Yellow-throated Marten is widespread in Chitwan NP with records from altitudes of 190–675 m; many records are from Sal forest.

- by Babu R Lamichhane
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- Conservation, Small Carnivores, Small Carnivores Ecology

L'acquisition de petits carnivores en vue de récupérer leur fourrure est souvent invoquée lorsque les restes de ces animaux sont identifiés dans les gisements archéologiques. Le faible nombre de référentiels disponibles pour tester cette assertion a motivé la mise en place d'une expérimentation pour pallier ce manque. Les résultats obtenus sur la localisation des traces de découpe consécutives au dépouillement de carcasses de petits carnivores sont ici présentés. Plusieurs méthodes de dépouillement ont été testées, chacune livrant des résultats différents. Les différentes méthodes de dépouillement présentées ici permettent lors du transfert au fossile d'inférer sur la représentation osseuse propres à chaque aire d'activité. Plus en avant dans la chaine opératoire de boucherie, nous verrons que la méthode de dépouillement employée peut conditionner la mise en évidence d'autres activités qui relèvent de l'alimentaire ou de l'utilitaire. Ces résultats offrent donc de nouvelles perspectives de recherches quant à l'exploitation et donc au statut de ces petits gibiers dans les sociétés humaines.

- by Jean-Baptiste Mallye
- •
- Zooarchaeology, Small Carnivores, Archaeofauna
- by Anthony J Giordano
- •
- Paraguay, Carnivora, Endangered Species, Large Carnivores

Despite its legal protection, the jaguarundi’s (Puma yagouaroundi) status in the United
States is currently unknown. Historical accounts indicate jaguarundis previously occupied habitats in extreme southern Texas. Although sightings continue to occur in the
United States, none have been confirmed, and it is unclear if jaguarundis are still resident.
Since the mid-1970s, however, evidence in the form of first-hand observations is
suggestive of the presence of jaguarundis in Big Bend National Park. We assessed the
credibility of 79 alleged jaguarundi records spanning three decades using a combination
of diagnostic criteria and witness credibility. Based on this discriminatory process,
we found “strong support” for 40 of these records, and believe a resident, low-density
population of jaguarundis may exist in Big Bend. While not as irrefutable as physical
evidence, objective reviews of species records may have merit as a tool to help evaluate
whether the investment of more rigorous survey techniques is warranted.

A two-year camera-trapping project in Virachey National Park (NP), Ratanakiri province, north-east Cambodia, has produced clear evidence of the presence of 10 small carnivore species, including some which are not often recorded in the country. These photographs include the third published record of Spotted Linsang Prionodon pardicolor for the country and several photographs of Binturong Arctictis binturong with young. Species that have become rarer in the region such as Asian Small-clawed Otter Aonyx cinereus were also photographed. Hog Badger Arctonyx collaris, which has undergone one of the most dramatic declines of any small carnivore in Indochina (Lao PDR, Vietnam and Cambodia), is also well represented. This survey, which did not target any specific species and relied entirely on camera-trapping, is the first wildlife survey to come out of Virachey NP in over seven years. Virachey NP appears to have many small carnivores, despite years of conservation neglect, probably reflecting slightly lower recent and current levels of destructive human pressure such as logging and poaching than are typical in many other parts of southern Indochina. The park’s relatively rugged and mountainous terrain makes it more difficult to access in comparison with many other protected areas in Cambodia; this may partly explain the relatively large number of small carnivores recorded there.

- by Greg McCann and +1
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- Conservation, Southeast Asia, Cambodia, Natural History
- by Rob Gandola and +1
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- Madagascar, Tropical Dry Forests, Camera Trapping, Small Carnivores

The distribution and status of small carnivore species in Gabon have never been comprehensively assessed. We collated data from general wildlife surveys, camera-trap and transect studies and analyses of bushmeat consumption and trade, to map their country-wide occurrence and assess current exploitation levels. Records of Common Slender Mongoose Herpestes sanguineus and Cameroon Cusimanse Crossarchus platycephalus represent the first confirmation of their occurrence in Gabon. Cameroon Cusimanse was believed to extend into north-east Gabon, but the Slender Mongoose records extend its known range well out-side that previously suspected. We furthermore extended the known range for Egyptian Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon. Crest-ed Genet Genetta cristata has also been proposed to occur in Gabon but our records were not suited to evaluating this possibility given the difficulties of separation from Servaline Genet G. servalina. Most species appear to be distributed widely across the country....

- by Josephine Head
- •
- Zoology, Conservation Biology, Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology And Management

Short-tailed mongoose Herpestes brachyurus is known to inhabit Borneo, Sumatra and peninsular Malaysia. Locality records show that it is widespread and probably common in at least the northern half of Borneo. Records are much sparser south of 2°N. It occurs in forest and, to a poorly clarified extent, non-forest habitats. Eighty-six spatially precise records were used to model its Bornean distribution. This modelling is complicated by several factors: difficulties of field separation from collared mongoose H. semitorquatus (reducing the number of available records); limited interest in, and thus familiarity with, the species (perhaps reducing the reliability of the respondents' opinions on habitat use); and strong evidence that altitudinal range and perhaps other aspects of habitat use differ between major landmasses (also potentially confounding opinions on habitat use). Within Borneo it is important to (1) clarify the extent of the specie's use of degraded and non-forest habitats, and (2) assess whether the paucity of records in Borneo from south of 2°N reflects a rarity of animals or simply low survey effort. Irrespective of short-tailed mongoose's precise habitat-use patterns in Borneo, it seems unlikely to be under major threat there. Its extent of occurrence encompasses all, or nearly all, the island; it has a large potential range outside the lowlands where large-scale forest clearance has been concentrated; there is no evidence of any association with any particularly threatened microhabitat; and it is highly unlikely to be subject to targeted or intensive hunting except locally as a livestock predator. Abstrak (Bahasa Indonesia). Garangan Ekor-Pendek Herpestes brachyurus dapat dijumpai di wilayah Borneo. Sumatera dan Semenanjung Malaysia. Catatan setempat menunjukkan satwa ini tersebar luas, tampaknya sangat umum untuk sebagian wilayah utara Borneo. Catatan menunjukkan keberadaanya semakin jarang ke arah selatan pada 2°LU. Dijumpai di hutan, serta pada informasi terbatas, di habitat bukan hutan. Sebanyak 86 catatan perjumpaan digunakan dalam pemodelan persebaran di Borneo. Pemodelan ini cukup rumit karena beberapa hal: keterbatasn kemampuan membedakan dari Garangan Ekor-Panjang H. semitorquatus (menurunkan jumlah data akurat), rendahnya perhatian pada satwa ini, sehingga menurunkan pemahaman jenis (menurunkan kemampuan pemamahan reponden terhadap habitat sesungguhnya) dan adanya bukti kuat bahwa ketinggian wilayah dan mungkin aspek lain dari penggunaan habitat berbeda untuk setiap bentang alam (menyebabkan adanya kesalahan tafsir dari perkiraan penggunaan habitat). Untuk wilayah Borneo, sangat penting untuk (1) memperjelas dalam hal penggunaan wilayah oleh satwa pada wilayah habitat terganggu dan bukan hutan dan (2) mengkaji apakah rendahnya catatan di Borneo pada wilayah selatan dari 2°LU karena jarangnya satwa ini atau karena rendahnya data survey. Terlepas dari tepatnya pendugaan penggunaan habitat oleh Garangan Ekor-Pendek di Borneo, tampaknya jenis ini tidak dalam tingkat terancam. Luasnya persebaran membuktikan hal: persebaran yang sangat luas hingga di luar kawasan dataran rendah dimana pembalakan hutan terpusat; tidak ada bukti nyata akan hubungan dengan ancaman mikroklimat dan tampaknya tidak pernah menjadi target buruan terkecuali diburu karena menganggu hewan ternak. Abstrak (Bahasa Malaysia). Bambun Ekor Pendek Herpestes brachyurus diketahui berada di Borneo, Sumatra dan Semenanjung Malaysia. Rekod-rekod menunjukkan ianya bertaburan luas dan mungkin biasa ditemui di sebelah utara Borneo. Rekod-rekod menjadi berkurangan di sebelah selatan 2°N. Ia dijumpai di hutan dan kurang jelas setakat mana ia menggunakan kawasan bukan hutan. Lapan puluh enam rekod tepat digunakan untuk meramalkan taburannya di Borneo. Proses pemodelan dirumitkan oleh beberapa faktor: kesukaran mengasingkan spesis ini dari Bambun Ekor Panjang H. semitorquatus (ini seterusnya mengurangkan jumlah rekod yang ada); minat dan kebiasaan yang terhad terhadap spesis ini (mungkin mengurangkan kebolehpercayaan pendapat para pakar tentang penggunaan habitat oleh spesis ini); dan cukup bukti yang menunjukkan julat penggunaan ketinggian atas paras laut dan mungkin ciri-ciri penggunaan habitat yang lain, biasanya tidak sama di antara wilayah-wilayah besar (ini juga mengakibatkan pertentangan pendapat tentang penggunaan habitat oleh spesis ini). Di dalam Borneo, ianya penting untuk (1) menjelaskan tahap penggunaan habitat yang bukan hutan dan hutan yang sudah didegradasi oleh spesis ini, dan (2) menjelsakan sama ada kekurangan rekod dari sebelah selatan 2°N menunjukkan spesis ini memang jarang didapati di sana atau ianya hanya kerana kurang usaha pemantauan dan kajian di sana. Tidak kira apa jenis RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY Supplement

An Indonesian Mountain Weasel Mustela lutreolina was photographed at 2,596 m in the eastern part of Leuser Landscape, Sumatra, Indonesia. This is the first record from the northern half of Sumatra. It is only the second photograph of a wild individual. It is now safe to assume that the species can be found at appropriate altitudes throughout the Bukit Barisan mountain-range, which spans the latitudinal range of Sumatra. Variation in the pelage coloration emphasises the need to review the taxonomy of the species. The survey also camera-trapped Collared Mongoose Herpestes semitorquatus, one of few Sumatran records and, at 666 m asl, the highest on the island by almost 400 m.

- by Wulan Pusparini and +1
- •
- Small Carnivores

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the activity patterns of Tayra Eira barbara and the effect of seasonality in two different landscapes, one in Colombia (Canal del Dique Watershed) and another in Costa Rica (Talamanca). Methodology: Between 2005 and 2009 camera trapping samplings were conducted to determine activity patterns of the species. We estimated capture frequencies, activity patterns, and made comparisons between sites and seasons, classifying data in 24-hours and in time-periods: Diurnal, Nocturnal and Crepuscular. Comparisons were made using Kuiper tests for homogeneity, Chi-square for differences in patterns and Chao-Jaccard tests for testing overlapping activities. Results:
Differences between activity periods (X2=124.26, p<0.0001) and hours (X2=46.38, p=0.0001) were found, with three activity peaks during the day, being this period in which the species is more active in general (X2=124.26, p<0.0001). Seasonality seems to be the most important factor influencing activity patterns (X2=14.15, p=0.0002), especially influencing the hours of higher activity (X2=12.42, p=0.0033). Conclusions: Activity patterns in Tayras seem to slightly vary both in space and time, with seasonality been the most evident driver. Our results coincide with previous studies in similar habitats, but differ with other locations with different ecosystems, highlighting variation within the species and potentially related with different subspecies. The evaluation and identification of basic aspects of natural history of E. barbara are necessary for a better understanding of the species ecology, life history, habitat requirements and their role in ecosystems.

- by José F. González-Maya and +2
- •
- Conservation Biology, Natural History, Ecology, Mammalogy

The persistent high deforestation rate and fragmentation of the Amazon forests are the main threats to their biodiversity. To anticipate and mitigate these threats, it is important to understand and predict how species respond to the rapidly changing landscape. The short-eared dog Atelocynus microtis is the only Amazon-endemic canid and one of the most understudied wild dogs worldwide. We investigated short-eared dog habitat associations on two spatial scales. First, we used the largest record database ever compiled for short-eared dogs in combination with species distribution models to map species habitat suitability, estimate its distribution range and predict shifts in species distribution in response to predicted deforestation across the entire Amazon (regional scale). Second, we used systematic camera trap surveys and occupancy models to investigate how forest cover and forest fragmentation affect the space use of this species in the Southern Brazilian Amazon (local scale). Spe...

- by Ilnaiara Sousa
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- Spatial Analysis, Species Distribution Models, Amazonia, Forest Fragmentation

- by Nicolas Bout and +1
- •
- Conservation Biology, Central Africa, Gabon studies, Small Carnivores

The first camera-trapping study in the Maliau Basin Conservation Area of Malaysian Borneo, an area containing some of the last intact
rainforest in Southeast Asia, detected 13 small mammalian carnivore species over 2,915 camera-trap-nights, including three newly recorded
for the area: Banded Linsang Prionodon linsang, Masked Palm Civet Paguma larvata and Hose’s Civet Diplogale hosei. Hose’s
Civet, endemic to Borneo, is one of the least known carnivore species in Southeast Asia and possibly the world. Maliau is only the fifth
site where the species has been confirmed in Sabah. Camera-traps—deployed in three habitats: primary (unlogged) dipterocarp forest,
logged dipterocarp forest and tropical heath (kerangas) forest—detected more small carnivore species in primary dipterocarp forest than
in logged forest, despite similar sampling effort; data were too few to allow the estimation of meaningful habitat-specific detection probabilities.
The Malay Civet Viverra tangalunga was the small carnivore species detected most often overall, followed by Leopard Cat
Prionailurus bengalensis and Banded Palm Civet Hemigalus derbyanus. We did not detect Malay Civet or Leopard Cat in logged forest,
yet other studies suggest that they are common in disturbed areas. The paucity of records (only one) of the generally abundant Common
Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus is unusual. Ongoing monitoring at this and other sites across Borneo should help elucidate
patterns of small carnivore distribution and richness with respect to natural and anthropogenic variation in forest characteristics.

- by Anthony J Giordano
- •
- Mustelidae, Viverridae, Borneo, Camera Traps

The Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus is amongst the most vulnerable and least studied wild cats across its range. Although its occurrence in Odisha, eastern India was reported c. 100 years ago, its current distribution, threats and conservation challenges are still poorly known. A biodiversity inventory performed in multiple parts of Odisha between 2008 and 2018 found the Fishing Cat in 20 new localities. The Fishing Cat distribution is confined to the coastal zone, from mangrove to swamps surrounded by rice fields, aquaculture farms and human habitations up to about 50 m above sea level. Road kill is an immediate threat but can be overcome by installing underpasses and signage on major roads. Wells in Fishing Cat habitats should be fitted with safety walls to avoid trapping. Community awareness of this species' conservation is vital, as most of its habitats fall outside protected areas and are near human habitation. Targeted study of its population status, ecology and threats throughout known and potential localities is necessary to formulate a Fishing Cat conservation plan for Odisha.

- by Udit Pratap Das and +2
- •
- Conservation Biology, Cats, Odisha, Small Carnivores

Protected areas play important roles for protecting many endangered species in Indonesia. However, very limited information regarding roles of protected areas and non-protected areas for supporting the habitat of less-concerned carnivores in Java, leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis javanensis). We aim to assess the relative roles of non-protected areas for the habitat of this cat on the highly fragmented and populated island of Java. We develop species distribution modelling, using Maxent by integrating various sources of presence data of this species and environmental data. Our finding confirms that leopard cat can life in various habitat types but mainly patchy forest areas. While most of the protected areas are suitable for the habitat of this smallest cat on Java, the non-protected areas provide much larger areas for its habitat (66.8 %). Our findings highlighted the importance of maintaining connectivity among habitat patches in non-protected areas, habitat protection using ...

- by Nanang irawan
- •
- Species Distribution Models, Forest Fragmentation, Carnivora, Carnivore Ecology

Protected areas play important roles for protecting many endangered species in Indonesia. However, very limited information exists regarding the roles of protected areas and non-protected areas in supporting the habitat of less-concerned carnivores in Java, leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis javanensis). We aim to assess the relative roles of non-protected areas for the habitat of this cat on the highly fragmented and populated island of Java. We developed a species distribution model using Maxent, integrating various sources of presence data for this species with environmental data. Our findings confirms that the leopard cat can live in various habitat types, but mainly patchy forest areas. While most of the protected areas are suitable habitat for this smallest cat on Java, the non-protected areas offered much larger areas for its habitat (66.8 %). We highlight the importance of maintaining connectivity among habitat patches in non-protected areas, habitat protection using current government policy for high conservation value forest, and other essential ecosystems areas.

Banded linsang Prionodon linsang is restricted to Sundaic Southeast Asia and inhabits a wide altitudinal range. It occurs widely in Borneo, including all political units except perhaps South Kalimantan, with many recent records. It has never been studied in the field. Usually, it is recorded only once or a few times on any given camera-trap or spotlighting survey within its range. Only rarely is it among the most commonly found small carnivores. It probably occurs at lower densities than do many small carnivores and conventional survey methods are probably suboptimal at finding it. Its popular reputation for rarity and thus conservation priority has no compelling foundation and seems unlikely to be valid. It is not known or likely to be targeted by human hunters and it has been suggested to be associated with edge and degraded areas. Seventy spatially precise records were used to model its distribution. Habitat reclassification scores for use in the model showed wide variation across respondents: few people have seen banded linsang many times. It is tied to forest, including highly degraded and, perhaps, fragmented areas. The predicted suitable habitat map suggests large overlap between the protected area system and the species's range, and a large predicted area outside protected areas. Identification of priority areas for the species is thus impracticable. If population densities are typically low, banded linsang might need relatively large landscapes for long-term viability. Without understanding this, and the extent, if any, to which it uses plantation landscapes, it is difficult to speculate how well protected areas and other mechanisms to retain native forest on Borneo will secure representative populations of this species. Another uncertainty important to resolve is the difficulty of interpreting the species's status through camera-trapping. Abstrak (Bahasa Indonesia). Linsang Prionodon linsang hanya terdapat pada Dataran Sunda-Asia Tenggara dan menyebar pada daerah yang tinggi. Dari beberapa catatan terakhir kehadirannya, jenis ini menyebar luas di Pulau Borneo, di seluruh batas administrasi kecuali Kalimantan Selatan. Jenis ini secara khusus belum pernah diteliti di lapangan. Sebenarnya, tercatat kehadirannya hanya sesekali atau beberapa kali dengan menggunakan kamera trap atau beberapa catatan temuan di daerah sebarannya. Merupakan jenis yang jarang ditemukan di antara jenis karnivora kecil yang umum. Kemungkinan hal ini terjadi karena kepadatan jenis ini rendah dibandingkan karnivora kecil yang lain, dan metoda survey yang digunakan adalah metoda konvensional sehingga tidak optimal menemukan jenis ini. Oleh karena itu untuk kelangkaan dan prioritas konservasinya tidak dapat dijadikan dasar karena tidak diketahui atau sepertinya merupakan satwa target bagi pemburu dan tampaknya jenis ini juga berasosiasi dengan daerah tepi hutan dan kawasan terdegradasi. Tujuh puluh catatan spasial yang tepat telah digunakan untuk pemodelan sebaran. Skoring reklasifikasi habitat yang digunakan pada modeling menunjukkan variasi yang berbeda antar responden, yang juga mencerminkan bahwa ada beberapa orang yang telah menemukan jenis ini berkali-kali. Hal ini terkait juga dengan kawasan hutan, termasuk yang sangat terdegradasi dan mungkin kawasan yang terfragmentasi. Peta prediksi kesesuaian habitat menunjukkan overlaping antara kawasan lindung dengan sebaran habitat, tetapi sebagian besar habitat berada di luar kawasan lindung sehingga hasil identifikasi kawasan prioritas tampak berlebihan. Jika kepadatan populasi rendah, dalam jangka panjang Linsang mungkin memerlukan landsekap yang relative luas untuk kelestariannya. Tanpa pemahaman yang jelas dan sejauh ini, sebagian landsekap digunakan untuk perkebunan, sehingga sulit berspekulasi bagaimana melindungi kawasan lindung secara baik dan membuat mekanisme lain untuk mempertahankan hutan asli Borneo yang akan mengamankan populasi jenis ini. Hal lain yang juga penting untuk menambah pemahaman namun juga tidak pasti adalah kesulitan menafsirkan status jenis ini melalui studi kamera trap. Abstrak (Bahasa Malaysia). Linsang Prionodon linsang terhad taburannya di Kepulauan Sunda Asia Tenggara dan menghuni jurang ketinggian yang lebar. Di Borneo, ia tersebar secara meluas di mana terdapatnya rekod terkini, termasuk kesemua daerah politik kecuali Kalimantan Selatan. Ia tidak pernah dikaji di lapangan. Kebiasannya, di mana ia dijumpai, ia direkodkan hanya sekali atau beberapa kali sahaja dalam kajian menggunakan perangkap kamera atau suluhan lampu. Di antara karnivor berbadan kecil yang lain, spesis ini jarang ditemui, kerana berkemungkinan mempunyai densiti taburan yang lebih rendah dan kaedah kajian konventional mungkin tidak memadai untuk menemukan spesis ini. Reputasinya sebagai spesis yang jarang sebagai alasan kepentingan pemuliharaannya tidak mempunyai asas yang kukuh, kerana tidak diketahui tetapi berkemungkinan bahawa spesis ini menjadi

- by Anthony J Giordano and +1
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- Species Distribution Models, Carnivora, Heart Of Borneo project, Animal Ecology, Terrestrial Mammals, Conservation

We photo-captured three of the five species of Bornean felids in and around the
Imbak Canyon Conservation Area in central Sabah, Malaysian Borneo - the Sunda
clouded leopard Neofelis diardi, marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata and leopard
cat Prionailurus bengalensis. The Sunda clouded leopard was the most frequently
photographed felid (11 photos), followed by marbled cat and leopard cat (2 photos
each). The Sunda clouded leopard and marbled cat are classified as Vulnerable on
the IUCN/SSC Red List of Threatened Species, whereas the leopard cat is a species
of Least Concern (IUCN 2012). All three species were detected within primary and
logged forest habitats. These findings may indicate that, in addition to primary forests,
regenerating secondary forests are important to felids conservation

- by Anthony J Giordano and +1
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- Malaysia, Carnivora, Protected areas, Felidae

Knowledge of the distribution and habitat preferences of a species is of paramount importance when assessing its conservation status. We used accurately recorded occurrence records and ecological niche modelling to predict the distribution of two threatened and poorly known small carnivore species that occur in Southeast Asia, the banded civet (Hemigalus derbyanus) and Hose’s civet (Diplogale hosei), and analysed their spatial niche differentiation for habitat and elevation. We then identified possible anthropogenic threats, and used our modelling predictions to recommend surveying priorities. The predicted distribution of the banded civet was principally in lowland evergreen forest in southern Myanmar/Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo and three Mentawai Islands (Siberut, Sipora and South Pagai), and for Hose’s civet in evergreen forest across the higher elevation regions of Borneo. Our niche analyses suggested that there is a tendency for these two species to separate spatially along an elevation gradient: the banded civet is mainly found in lowland areas, whereas Hose’s civet primarily occurs at higher elevations. Our study strongly indicated that these two viverrids are forest-dependent species that may be threatened by forest loss, degradation and fragmentation. Field surveys should be prioritised in areas where each species is predicted to occur and no records currently exist.

- by Anthony J Giordano
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- Zoology, Malaysia, Carnivora, Heart Of Borneo project
- by Pradheeps Muthulingam and +1
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- Small Carnivores, Mating Behaviour, Mongoose

Little is known about the ecology of the rare marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata on Borneo. In addition, the little information that is available on the species often comes from incidental sightings. Here we use the MaxEnt algorithm to produce a habitat suitability map for this species based on a compilation of existing data. We collected 105 marbled cat occurrence records for Borneo, of which 27 (Balanced Model) or 69 (Spatial Filtering Model) were used to estimate potential habitat suitability. The resulting relative habitat suitability map showed key conservation areas in Borneo. According to these results it appears that the most suitable habitats for marbled cat are lowland forests, but these forests are most threatened by deforestation and other anthropogenic activities. It is imperative to develop appropriate conservation strategies for the marbled cat on Borneo, including long-term research and monitoring, reduction of human disturbances in lowland forests, increased data-sharing and research networking, and stakeholder involvement for conservation planning and activities. Abstrak (Bahasa Indonesia). Sangat sedikit informasi tentang ekologi Kucing Batu Pardofelis marmorata di Borneo. Informasi Kucing Batu sering diperoleh dari pengamatan yang tidak disengaja. Pada paper ini kami menggunakan pemodelan MaxEnt untuk membuat peta sebaran Kucing Batu berdasarkan data yang telah terkumpul. Kami mengumpulkan 105 catatan keberadaan Kucing Batu di Borneo, dimana 27 (Model Penyeimbang) atau 69 (Model Spasial Tersaring) catatan tersebut digunakan untuk membuat peta kesesuaian habitat. Hasil dari peta prediksi kesesuaian habitat diperoleh beberapa kawasan konservasi kunci di Borneo. Berdasarkan hasil ini tampak bahwa habitat terbaik untuk Kucing Batu adalah hutan dataran rendah, tetapi kawasan hutan ini adalah kawasan yang paling terancam oleh kegiatan deforestasi dan gangguan aktivitas manusia. Sangat penting untuk mengembangkan strategi yang tepat untuk pelestarian Kucing Batu di Borneo termasuk di antaranya penelitian dan pemantauan jangka panjang, pengendalian gangguan manusia terhadap hutan dataran rendah, peningkatan kegiatan berbagi data dan jaringan kerjasama penelitian, serta keterlibatan pemangku kepentingan untuk perencanaan kegiatan konservasi. Abstrak (Bahasa Malaysia). Sangat sedikit yang diketahui berkenaan ekologi Kucing Dahan Pardofelis marmorata di Borneo. Selain itu, maklumat yang sedikit yang terdapat berkenaan spesis ini selalu diperolehi melalui pemerhatian yang secara kebetulan. Dalam kajian ini, kami menggunakan MaxEnt untuk menghasilkan peta kesesuaian habitat untuk spesis ini berdasarkan kompilasi rekod yang sedia ada. Kami mengumpul sejumlah 105 rekod Kucing Dahan di Borneo, yang mana 27 rekod (Model Seimbang) dan 69 rekod (Model yang ditapis secara spasial) telah diguna untuk meramal kesesuaian habitat. Hasil daripada peta ramalan kesesuaian habitat menunjukkan beberapa kawasan pemuliharaan yang penting di Borneo. Berdasarkan ramalan ini , didapati bahawa habitat yang paling sesuai untuk Kucing Dahan adalah kawasan hutan tanah pamah, tetapi kawasan hutan ini juga adalah yang paling terancam dengan kegiatan penebangan hutan dan aktiviti-aktiviti antropogenik yang lain. Oleh itu, adalah penting untuk menghasilkan strategi pemuliharaan yang sesuai untuk Kucing Dahan di Borneo, termasuk penyelidikan dan pemantauan jangka panjang, mengurangkan gangguan manusia di hutan tanah pamah, meningkatkan perkongsian data dan rangkaian penyelidikan, dan penglibatan pihak-pihak yang berkepentingan dalam perancangan dan aktiviti pemuliharaan.

- by Anthony J Giordano
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- Species Distribution Models, Southeast Asia, Carnivora, Felidae

The Striped Hog-nosed Skunk Conepatus semistriatus is widespread Neotropical carnivore species, with a disjunct distribution from Mexico to Brazil. Poorly known across its range, in Colombia the species is mostly known only from scarce and sporadic records, but with no information for most aspects of its ecology or conservation status. Here we present the first record of the species for a peri-urban area of Bogotá, capital city of Colombia. Our record is the first for a large city across its range, located outside previous range estimates and confirming its presence for the tutelar mountains of the city. Although this record does not expand significantly the range of the species, it represents an important addition to the fauna of Bogotá, highlighting the importance of improving conservation measures for this important forest patch, and thus ecological integrity, in one of the largest cities in the Neotropics.

- by Mauricio Vela and +2
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- Wildlife, Periurban, Cundinamarca, Small Carnivores

The banded civet Hemigalus derbyanus is a small, little-known civet with a geographical range comprising Indonesia (Kalimantan, Sumatra and some associated islands), Malaysia, Brunei, peninsular Myanmar and peninsular Thailand. Habitat loss and degradation are the main threats to the species leading to its classification as globally Vulnerable by The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The banded civet uses degraded habitat to some extent, but its exact ecological requirements and the extent of its dependence on primary forest are unknown. We analysed 65 (Balanced Model) and 104 (Spatial Filtering Model) location records of the banded civet to predict habitat suitability on Borneo. The resulting model predicted the majority of Borneo to be suitable habitat; although in general, the low-lying coastal areas, swamp forests and high-altitude areas were predicted to be unsuitable. Given this large area of predicted suitable habitat and the high overlap of habitat suitability and protect...

- by Ramesh Boonratana
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- Conservation Biology, Southeast Asia, Biology, Ecology