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Silmi, M.; Putra, K.; Anggara, S.; Amran, A.; Fauzil, A.; Dahlen, B.; Galdikas, B.; Anggra, P.; Traeholt, C.
Habitat use by leopard cats (_Prionailurus bengalensis_) in a palm oil landscape
2016  Conference Proceeding

The leopard cat (_Prionailurus bengalensis_) is the most widespread carnivore species in Asia. It has been recorded in a variety of habitats, including monoculture landscapes, such as palm oil plantations. Here, we report on a preliminary study on home range, movement patterns and diet of the species. The study took place in United Plantations/PT SSS estate in central Kalimantan Province, Borneo. The estate complies with RSPO standards, which means that high conservation value areas remain integrated parts of the plantation landscape. The spatial habitat-use and effectivity of leopard cats as predators of rats palm oil estate remains little understood. From July 2014 to March 2016, we captured 9 leopard cats purpose built cage-traps and fitted them with VHF radio-transmitters. They were tracked throughout 21 months study period, during which we collected a total of 1.406 GPS locations used for estimating respective cats' home-ranges. The cats are strictly nocturnal and prefer to hide and rest in thick bush, primarily consisting of sword-fern (Nephrolepis sp) during day-time, but forage both on the ground and the palm canopy at night. The results conclude that leopard cats can feed and reproduce and thrive in palm oil estate, with a mean home range (95% MCP) for male leopard cats 1.39 km2 (n = 5; SD = 1.40 km2) and a mean home range of female cats smaller at 1.26 km2 (n = 4; SD = 0.36 km2). In areas where rats constitute the main prey, leopard cats eat an average of 2-3 rats per day. Amphibians, snakes and birds are also on the menu. Our observations reveal that leopard cats can reproduce rapidly with some females giving birth to 4 cubs, with reproduction cycle every five to six months. In conclusion, leopard cats can survive and reproduce well in palm oil habitats and be effective predators of rats in a plantation landscape.

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