Feeding Ecology of the African Civet (Civettictis civetta) and Improved Captive Management for Sustainable Utilization in Illubabora, Ethiopia

Bekele, Tsegaye Degefa (2015) Feeding Ecology of the African Civet (Civettictis civetta) and Improved Captive Management for Sustainable Utilization in Illubabora, Ethiopia. PhD thesis, Addis Ababa University.

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Abstract

The study was conducted during 2011-2014 in Bedele District, Illubabora Zone of southwestern Ethiopia. The aim was to investigate feeding ecology of the African civet in the wild to assess the effect of time range on the civet musk production, to study the influence of different food items on the amount of civet musk production and to demonstrate modern methods of civiculture through awareness creation. There were about 25 ‘civetries’ in the study area to study food items of the African civets in their natural habitat. Food types, seasonal variations in food items, availability of food and food preferences of civets were studied. The difference in food availability was statistically significant between wet and dry seasons. Trapping civets using modern cage was found to be more suitable than the traditional methods of trapping. The difference in the weight of civet musk extraction based on intervals of 5, 10 and 15 days was studied. Extraction with 10 days gap was found to yield optimum civet musk while the second is 15 days interval. The food items given were maize soup, meat and mixed food made of bone, blood and meat products. The civet musk production with mixed food was found to yield optimum civet musk, and the regular supply of meat is the next. The different ‘civet’ collection of pure musk extraction is highly correlated (r = 0.990, P < 0.05). The correlation of ‘debisa’ extraction are significant (r = 0.993, P< 0.05). The amount of civet musk extracted from African civets was statistically significant (F = 2039.5, df = 2, P < 0.05). The production of civet musk was influenced by time gap and quality of food containing high protein contents. Male civet was found to produce more musk. Modern methods to manage African civets in captivity were demonstrated. Modern cages for trapping and keeping civets were demonstrated and attitudinal changes of civet farmers were observed.

Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
Uncontrolled Keywords: African civet, Civet farmers, Civet musk extraction, feeding ecology, captive management.
Subjects: Q Science > Q Science (General)
Q Science > QH Natural history
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology
Divisions: Africana
Depositing User: Selom Ghislain
Date Deposited: 13 Sep 2018 07:56
Last Modified: 13 Sep 2018 07:57
URI: http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/5155

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