M. Balakrishinan

Ecology of African Civiet / Civettictis Civeta M. Balakrishinan

Ecology and behavior of the African Civet(Civettictis civetta) was studied to reveal the population status, feeding habit and scent marking patterns in Arba Minch Forest during August, 2012?January, 2013 to include both wet and dry season. The population density, diet, foraging habit, scent marking of C. civettawere studied in the Arba Minch Forest. This study was carried out by direct and indirect observations. Direct observation was carried out during night by using night visionscope. Indirect observations were made by analysing faecal samples and scent marking sites. The population of the Civet in the present study area was mainly influenced by human activities. The population density at this area was 0.27/ha., of which 0.16 were adults and 0.11 young. In captivity, there were one male and one female. Twelve common food items and plastic carry bags were identified from 578 droppings of Civets. There were seasonal variations in the items consumed by the African Civet. Adults preferred to feed on plant materials (58.7%) to animal materials (39.4%).