Chrotogale owstoni Thomas, 1912

Owston's Banded Palm Civet

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU) external link Showing: scientific names

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Biology

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Copyright Wildscreen 2003-2008. Some rights reserved external link
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Very little is known about the biology and behaviour of this species in the wild, with most information coming from captive individuals (6). This nocturnal hunter is believed to be a solitary species that scent-marks its territory. Dens are constructed under large tree trunks, in caves and in dense brush, or may be located high in the canopy in tree hollows or on sheltered branches (7). The Owston's civet leaves its den around dusk to feed on earthworms, which appear to form the bulk of the natural diet (5), as well as small vertebrates, invertebrates, including fish, frogs and insects and fruit (3) (4). Prey is predominantly found on the ground, where this animal's long snout is used to unearth its meal (5). All information on the reproduction of Owston's civet is derived from captive specimens. In captivity, mating usually occurs from January to March, although it may last until April or May (3) (4). After a 75 to 87 day gestation period, a litter of one to three young are born, and females can produce one litter a year (3) (4).
"Chrotogale owstoni Thomas, 1912". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/328077". Accessed 22 Mar 2010.