WILDLIFE Photo: John Mathai John Photo: Hose’s Civet Borneo’s mysterious carnivore A research team from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Malaysia Program, led by John Mathai, is fighting against time and a severe shortage of funding in an effort to study the habitat and ecology of the elusive Hose’s Civet.
Text by John Mathai Photos by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Malaysia
wenty years from now, the introductory sentence to the Hose’s Civet Diplogale hosei in journals, maga- zines and textbooks may very well read: ‘This rare, mysterious Tcivet once roamed the mountainous forests of Borneo’. Like so many animals already, the Hose’s Civet may, in the future, be extolled in extinction, yet at present, when alive and perhaps under Mossy forest n the Forest Management Unit. severe threat, it is completely ignored. However, the Hose’s Civet still has the entire forest trophic system and play Three methods recorded small carnivores: line a chance. It has been detected at high a vital role in forest regeneration. encounter rates in a logging concession Borneo was identified as one of the transects (diurnal direct observation), sign deep in the interior of Sarawak, Borneo, seven global priority areas for small car- surveys, and camera-trapping. and is now the focal species of a research nivore conservation by the IUCN/SSC team from the Wildlife Conservation small carnivore action plan in 1989 Society (WCS) Malaysia Program. The (Schreiber et al., 1989). It has more team, led by myself, aims to understand endemic carnivores than any other island the major threats to the species and Hose’s Civet. except Madagascar (Meiri, 2005). In Mathai John Photo: hopes to recommend improved timber spite of the undoubted importance of harvesting techniques and management Apart from diverse vertebrate and invertebrate Borneo to small carnivores, credible, strategies to ensure that not just the accurate and up-to-date information Hose’s Civet, but the whole guild of prey, carnivores in Sarawak eat many fruits about their distribution and ecology in small carnivores, vital to the health and and regularly pass intact seeds in their faeces, Sarawak is scarce, with few systematic integrity of forest ecosystems, can persist studies having being undertaken till date. in the vast areas of forest designated for indicating their importance as seed dispersers. To understand status and ecology logging in the state. of wildlife in logging concessions in The state of Sarawak in Borneo Department, 1997), it is critical to the food chain and regulate populations Sarawak, and to evaluate conservation currently suffers high levels of deforesta- document the status of mammals in for- of prey and other carnivores through priorities and management recom- tion, with forests outside protected areas est remnants within logging concessions predation and competition. Apart from mendations, a long-term monitoring rapidly being degraded by timber extrac- and in the modified habitats themselves diverse vertebrate and invertebrate prey, programme was launched by WCS tion, conversion to oil palm plantations so as to determine conservation priori- carnivores in Sarawak eat many fruits Malaysia in 2004 in the Sela’an-Linau and other land developments. With just ties and management strategies. and regularly pass intact seeds in their Forest Management Unit (FMU), 4% of the land area gazetted as protect- Small carnivores can be good indica- faeces, indicating their importance as the first of only two logging conces- ed areas compared to 35.2% earmarked tors of forest health, provided sufficient seed dispersers. sions in the state which were once for logging activities (Sarawak Forest data are available. Carnivores sit high in They thus have cascading effects on certified under the Malaysian Timber Waterfalls in the FMU.
2 Nature Watch Oct - Dec 2010 Oct - Dec 2010 Nature Watch 3 Certification Scheme. The main objec- The Sela’an-Linau FMU cm above ground level, at a distance tive was to document the diversity and between 1 and 1.5 m from the animal distribution of mammals and birds covers 55,949 ha (or 559 trail. All cameras were set to run 24 within the FMU. Small carnivores were km2, roughly 80% the size hours a day. Images of conspecifics at simply part of the general remit, and the same camera location separated by reported here are records of them from of Singapore) at least half an hour were recorded as the first 54 months. independent observations (O’Brien et al., 2003). Study Area The Sela’an-Linau FMU covers 55,949 Results ha (or 559 km2, roughly 80% the size In total, 16 carnivore species were of Singapore), and lies in the hinter- recorded: 14 small carnivores, Sun Bear land of northern Sarawak, north of the The Sela’an-Linau Forest and Sunda Clouded Leopard. Of the upper Baram River. Samling Strategic Management Unit in Upper Baram, small carnivores, there were at least 3 Sarawak. Corporation (Samling) is the licensed species of mustelids (otters, martens and concessionaire. In the FMU live many weasels) (otters could not be identified indigenous human communities such as to species, so there could potentially be the Kayan, Kelabit, Kenyah and Penan, Zone (PZ), an area which is set aside for ods. Three methods recorded small more), 7 species of viverrids (civets), many of whom depend on forest for conservation, with no timber harvesting carnivores: line transects (diurnal direct 2 species of herpestids (mongooses) their livelihood and on wildlife for their planned in the FMU’s current Forest observation), sign surveys, and camera- and 2 species of felids (cats). Four of protein. Management Plan. The PZ, however, is trapping. The survey team walked these small carnivore species are listed The Sela’an-Linau FMU is undulat- not gazetted under the state government 789 km of line transects, 277 km dur- as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List ing in nature, with altitudes from 300 and hence has no legal protection. It is ing sign surveys, and camera-trapped for of Threatened Species (IUCN, 2010): m above sea level (a.s.l.) in its south- mainly montane and submontane forest, 5,252 trap-nights. Hose’s Civet (endemic to Borneo), west to about 2,000 m a.s.l. in the Tama ranging from 900 m to almost 2,000 m Line transects undertaken separately Binturong, Banded Civet and Marbled Abu Range on its eastern edge. Much a.s.l. for direct sighting and for sign surveys Cat. Otters were not identified to spe- (60%) supports mixed dipterocarp for- were the major general survey methods. cies, but are also red-listed. One species, est, with some montane forest on higher Methods 25 transect lines of approximately 2 Collared Mongoose, is Data Deficient ground (4%) and tropical heath forest Field work spanned March 2004 to km each were established and marked on the Red List. Both large carnivores (kerangas) on infertile soils (21%). Old September 2008, using multiple meth- every 25 m. Transects were surveyed are listed as Vulnerable. and current swidden (temuda) cov- daily starting from 07:00 am until The Protected Zone recorded the ers 15%. Enrichment planting with about 11:00 am. At each 25 m inter- highest small carnivore diversity; nine of native timber species is being done in val, surveyors stopped for 1 minute the 14 small carnivore species recorded some 3,000 ha that burnt during the and all mammals and large birds either were found there (64.3%). However, Photo: John Mathai John Photo: 1997–1998 El Niño event. About half observed or heard were recorded. survey effort and type varied too the forest was logged conventionally Sign surveys were conducted along much from site to site for comparisons Many transects need to be negotiated over streams and rivers. in the past, but since 2003 a reduced the same transect lines as direct diurnal between them of their small carnivore impact logging (RIL) is applied. The observations. Tracks, diggings in the records to be meaningful. area receives high rainfall (3,400–5,900 earth and on fallen trees, body mark- Camera-trapping was the best survey mm annually) with no distinct wet or ings, antler markings and claw marks method for small carnivores (Table 1): dry season. Temperatures in low-lying were recorded, as were the probable size of 14 species recorded, 12 were detected areas average around 26˚C, falling to of the individual (adult or young) and by camera-traps, only six by line 14 ˚C on summits. time since the signs were made. transects, and, given ambiguous species Surveys were concentrated in 14 sites These surveys are still on-going dur- identification, sign surveys were useful in the western, northern and central ing 2010. However, both methods yield only for Malay Civet Viverra tangalunga, Sela’an-Linau FMU. The survey areas too few small carnivore records for spe- Sun Bear and otters. Sun Bear was the were divided into sectors based on dif- cies-level analysis. most widely found carnivore, in 12 of ferences in logging regime, time elapsed Camera-trapping occurred from the 14 sites (Table 1). after logging, elevation, hunting pres- January 2005 to September 2008, using This is, however, to be expected: it sure, proximity to settlements and slash 40 CamtrakkerTM units. In 2008, two and Malay Civet are the only species and burn fields, proximity to logging LeafRiver digital units were acquired. identifiable by signs, thereby increasing roads, and forest contiguity (Mathai By the end of the survey, all 42 cameras recording efficiency. Small carnivores were et al., 2010). This was done to allow were out of commission, mainly due to mostly sparsely recorded. Yellow-throated investigation of occurrence patterns for high humidity. Cameras were set at salt Marten Martes flavigula was the most regularly encountered species; however, licks, at Great Argus Argusianus argus widely encountered, at five sites (35.7%), no small carnivore was found frequently dancing grounds, and along ridges near perhaps reflecting its position as one of the transect lines. Some were placed enough to allow an analysis of such Transect lines are not necessarily straight the few carnivores recorded during line spatial precision. Most of the survey and flat; in fact, they are very often steep far from transect lines. Cameras were transects, rather than it genuinely being Preparing a camera trap. efforts were conducted in the Protected and treacherous. placed typically at heights of 20-30 more widespread than all other species.
4 Nature Watch Oct - Dec 2010 Oct - Dec 2010 Nature Watch 5 Binturong, Masked Palm Civet Table 1 surveyors: hunters regularly use firearms Paguma larvata, Common Palm Civet In the Selaan-Linau FMU at night in the FMU. Camera-traps Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, Banded seem best to study these animals, except Carnivores threatened under the IUCN Red List detected by Number of independent observations of each carnivore Civet and Short-tailed Mongoose species using each method and number of sites where those species that are mostly arboreal. Herpestes brachyurus are also probably camera trap in the Selaan-Linau FMU. each species was detected. Modifications to the selection of sites widespread within the FMU. for camera-traps so far used here could Hose’s Civet and Malay Civet, Species IUCN Red Listing Number of independent observations Number include aiming cameras towards fallen (LC = Least concern, of sites though two of the most commonly DD = Data deficient, detected trees, and, in particular, using odours/ found small carnivores, were found NT = Near Threatened, scents in canisters resistant to rain. VU = Vulnerable, Line Sign Camera Total at few sites. Malay Civet may occur EN = Endangered) transect survey trap Otters may require camera placement mainly below 900 m a.s.l. and Hose’s nearer rivers and streams, which would Malay Weasel LC 2 0 0 2 2 Civet may be more common between also allow consideration of Otter Civet Yellow-throated Marten LC 4 0 1 5 5 600 to 1,500 m a.s.l. Banded Linsang status. Otter Either EN, VU or NT 0 3 0 3 3 Prionodon linsang, Marbled Cat, Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis and Collared Banded Linsang LC 0 0 1 1 1 Hose’s Civet Mongoose were detected in just one site Malay Civet LC 0 9 12 21 3 In conservation terms, Hose’s Civet each (7.1%). All these patterns, however, Common Palm Civet LC 1 0 2 3 2 stands out from the other species require verification through more records. Masked Palm Civet LC 1 0 6 7 3 recorded, because it has a much smaller For comparison, there were 170 Binturong VU 3 0 4 7 4 known range. It is named after Charles camera trap images for muntjac deer Hose’s Civet VU 0 0 12 12 3 Hose (1863-1929), a Sarawak-based, Muntiacus spp. over the same period, Banded Civet VU 0 0 6 6 3 British zoologist who has a number of sign surveys gave 163 independent deer Collared Mongoose DD 0 0 2 2 1 other mammals, birds and amphib- observations and line transects gave 140 Short-tailed Mongoose LC 2 0 2 4 3 ians named after him as well. This independent deer observations. Marbled Cat VU 0 0 1 1 1 civet is endemic to northern Borneo Hose’s Civet Diplogale hosei Leopard Cat LC 0 0 1 1 1 and recorded only from a few locali- Other small carnivores LARGE CARNIVORES ties in Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei, no The otter species present in the FMU Sun Bear VU 4 45 7 56 12 protected area is known to hold a large remain unclear - Davis (1958) recorded Sunda Clouded Leopard VU 0 0 3 3 1 population of the species. Indeed in two in the nearby Kelabit Highlands, Sarawak, no protected area is known the Oriental Small-clawed Otter Aonyx cinereus (IUCN Vulnerable) and the Threats South-east Asia are in heavy decline Hairy-nosed Otter Lutra sumatrana The main threats to small carnivores through greatly increased trade-driven Hunting in the FMU (IUCN Endangered). At least four more in the FMU remain unclear. They are hunting, but this seems not to occur species of small carnivore plausibly not actively sought by local hunters, in Sarawak. Instead, here, shrinking usually (but not always) in the Upper Baram were not found and some species were found in areas of habitat, pollution and siltation of riv- involves dogs, which by this survey. Small-toothed Palm Binturong Arctictis binturong Banded Civet Hemigalus derbyanus high hunting pressure. Hunting in the ers, as well as the use of chemicals and Civet Arctogalidia trivirgata (IUCN FMU usually (but not always) involves explosives/electricity during commercial accompany local hunters Least Concern) was recorded in the dogs, which accompany local hunters fishing result in severe depletion of the Kelabit Highlands by Davis (1958) and in their search for ungulates, especially prey base of otters (see Southeast Asian in their search for reported by local people in the FMU. Bearded Pig Sus barbatus, muntjacs Mammal Databank, 2006). Shifting ungulates, especially It is strongly nocturnal and arboreal, and Sambar Cervus unicolor. Primates, cultivation might be a threat to small and no survey methods suitable to find especially macaques Macaca and langurs carnivores mainly through the tempo- Bearded Pig Sus barbatus, it were used. Local hunters’ reports Presbytis, and rodents are hunted to a rary loss of the areas under cultivation at muntjacs and Sambar suggest that two IUCN Endangered lesser extent. Sun Bear, Binturong and any given time; most species were found species, Bay Cat Catopuma badia, other palm civets are taken as encoun- near slash and burn fields. However, the Cervus unicolor. endemic to Borneo and one of the rar- tered, but hunters do not set out to ability for populations to persist in such Marbled Cat Pardofelis marmorata Sunda Clouded Leopard Neofelis diardi est cats in the world, and Otter Civet hunt them. Local hunters usually use landscapes may differ greatly. to even hold any. Currently, the basic Cynogale bennettii, previously seen in the home-made guns, spears and blowpipes, Urgently required now are studies factors likely to determine its long-term Kelabit Highlands by Tom Harrisson and hunt both by day and night. Snares specifically of small carnivores to deter- future, such as population densities, (Medway, 1977), occurred in the FMU. are often used, intended for pheas- mine distribution and conservation sta- dependency level on old-growth for- These reports date from before logging ants, rodents and mouse deer Tragulus. tus within the Sela’an-Linau FMU. est, ranging and dispersal patterns, and operations were wide scale. Another However, these snares can pose a serious As encounter rates are very low and others, are entirely unknown, making species, the Sunda Stink-badger (Malay threat to the more ground-dwelling civ- many species nocturnal and crepuscular, specific conservation measures impos- Badger) Mydaus javanensis (IUCN Least ets such as Hose’s Civet, Banded Civet line transects yield very little data. Sign sible. What little is known of the spe- Concern), has been collected several and Malay Civet. surveys are useful only for few species. cies comes primarily from 17 museum times in the Kelabit Highlands (Davis, Many small carnivores were found Night-spotting may be an option, but specimens worldwide (the first of which 1958). This highly distinctive species Collared Mongoose Herpestes semi- Sun Bear Helarctos malayanus in areas affected by logging, but log- there are no roads in unlogged areas was collected in 1891 from Sarawak). seems unknown to local people, so it torquatus ging may constrain Hose’s Civet and and uneven terrain makes passage on There have been very few field sightings may have never inhabited the FMU. Binturong range. Otters in mainland foot noisy. Moreover, it is risky to the of the species and only one live capture;
6 Nature Watch Oct - Dec 2010 Oct - Dec 2010 Nature Watch 7 that was in Brunei, and this individual The Sela’an-Linau FMU is home to was subsequently released after two one of the world’s least known carni- months. There remain no Hose’s Civets vores, and it may be under great threat. in captivity anywhere in the world. Mathai. John Photo: It may also be home to two other rare, Next to nothing is known about the little known carnivores, the endemic habits and diet of Hose’s Civet in the Bay Cat, and the Otter Civet, both wild, though the single female captured of which were reported to have once in 1997 appeared to be entirely car- inhabited the FMU before logging nivorous, feeding on fish and meat as became widespread. Whether they are opposed to fruit, the preferred diet of all still there, and if not, whether the Hose’s other civets in Borneo (Yasuma, 2004). Civet will go their way and be lost for- Indeed, the Hose’s Civet’s partly webbed ever from this site, is anyone’s guess. feet, extremely long facial whiskers, and Time is running out. At WCS, we need surprisingly large snout, are all thought your help. to suggest a specialist, foraging for small animals amongst mossy boulders and John Mathai is a Wildlife Ecologist with streams. the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) The first confirmed photographic Malaysia Program. He studies the impact image of a Hose’s Civet in the wild may of logging on wildlife in production forests probably be that of a single individual in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, and uses photographed in early 2004 in Mount this information to advise authorities on Kinabalu National Park, Sabah. Since Rugged terrain and mist covered mountains of the Selaan-Linau FMU. improved logging practices in the state. then, only a handful of blurred, uncon- His interest is small carnivores, and their firmed images have been captured from 730 m a.s.l) with high hunting pressure, both within and among species, for role in ecosystem dynamics in the Bornean scattered localities within its range. near logging roads (but not with log- limited and ever decreasing resources? rainforest. He is a member of the IUCN WCS Malaysia captured 12 images of ging activities per se), and fragmented Will not inferior competitors (possibly Small Carnivore Specialist Group. the Hose’s Civet between January and by slash and burn fields. Whether this the Hose’s Civet?) be forced to flee from For more information on Hose’s Civet December 2005, when all cameras were is a dispersing animal or whether Hose’s these mountain refuges as superior com- and other small carnivore work in the performing at their peak and research- Civet can actually subsist in these more petitors come to dominate, and then Sela’an-Linau FMU, please contact John ers had sufficient experience in camera encroached areas, is unclear. be exposed to snares and other forms of Mathai at [email protected] or placement. However, there do exist 2 hunting in the lowlands? Will warmer visit the WCS Malaysia website at www. more images of the Hose’s Civet taken Urgent questions temperatures and drier conditions, wcsmalaysia.org. in July 2004 (WCS unpublished data), Until recently, the semi-nomadic Penan caused by a combination of intensified when researchers were still experiment- people who inhabit the area did not logging pressure and climate change, REFERENCES ing with cameras, bringing the complete have a name for the Hose’s Civet in constrict further the effective habitat Davis, D. D. (1958) Mammals of the Kelabit plateau, tally to 14 images from 4 separate loca- their native tongue, simply because they of Hose’s Civet? Will species such as northern Sarawak. Fieldiana, Zoology 39: 119–147. Francis, C. M. (2002). An observation of Hose’s Civet tions in the FMU, by far the highest had never come across the species. This Hose’s Civet, Bay Cat and Otter Civet, in Brunei. Small Carnivore Conservation 26: 16 encounter rate ever. The previous largest is now changing as more native hunt- which possibly have a high dependency IUCN (2010) IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. series of encounters from one locality ers encounter it, due to a number of on old growth forest, be able to disperse Version 2010.2.
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