Predicted distributions and conservation status of two threatened Southeast Asian small carnivores: the banded civet and Hose’s civet

Abstract

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.

Molecular systematics and biogeography of the Hemigalinae civets (Mammalia, Carnivora)

“…The northern distribution limit of the banded civet is close to the Isthmus of Kra, along the Thai-Malay Peninsula (Jennings et al 2013), which is a transitional region between the Indochinese and Sundaic faunas (Woodruff & Turner 2009;Meijaard 2009). The range of Owston's civet is restricted to southern China, Laos, and Vietnam (Jennings &Veron 2009).…”

“…1). Very little is known about their ecology, but they seem to be nocturnal, mainly terrestrial, and are primarily found in tropical forests (Veron et al 2006;Jennings & Veron 2009;Jennings et al 2013). The banded civet and otter civet occur mainly in the lowlands, while Hose's civet is primarily found at higher elevations (Veron et al 2006;Jennings et al 2013); Owston's civet seems to be found both in lowland and montane forests (Jennings & Veron 2009).…”

“…Very little is known about their ecology, but they seem to be nocturnal, mainly terrestrial, and are primarily found in tropical forests (Veron et al 2006;Jennings & Veron 2009;Jennings et al 2013). The banded civet and otter civet occur mainly in the lowlands, while Hose's civet is primarily found at higher elevations (Veron et al 2006;Jennings et al 2013); Owston's civet seems to be found both in lowland and montane forests (Jennings & Veron 2009). These species are of conservation concern, with the otter civet listed as Endangered and the other three as Vulnerable by the IUCN (2015), although there is a scarcity of data about their current population trends and sensitivity to environmental disturbance (Schreiber et al 1989;Jennings & Veron 2009;Jennings et al 2013).…”

“…The banded civet and otter civet occur mainly in the lowlands, while Hose's civet is primarily found at higher elevations (Veron et al 2006;Jennings et al 2013); Owston's civet seems to be found both in lowland and montane forests (Jennings & Veron 2009). These species are of conservation concern, with the otter civet listed as Endangered and the other three as Vulnerable by the IUCN (2015), although there is a scarcity of data about their current population trends and sensitivity to environmental disturbance (Schreiber et al 1989;Jennings & Veron 2009;Jennings et al 2013). The destruction and degradation of tropical forests are clearly major threats to this group (Meijaard & Sheil 2008;Corlett 2009;Jennings et al 2013).…”

“…These species are of conservation concern, with the otter civet listed as Endangered and the other three as Vulnerable by the IUCN (2015), although there is a scarcity of data about their current population trends and sensitivity to environmental disturbance (Schreiber et al 1989;Jennings & Veron 2009;Jennings et al 2013). The destruction and degradation of tropical forests are clearly major threats to this group (Meijaard & Sheil 2008;Corlett 2009;Jennings et al 2013). Despite these threats, little molecular systematics work has been done on this group; knowledge of their phylogenetic diversity, intraspecific genetic diversity and structure, and population differentiation is crucial for defining conservation priorities and for the identification of evolutionarily significant units (ESUs, Ryder 1986;Moritz 1994;Haig 1998;Isaac et al 2007).…”