FOOD, FEEDING AND GROOMING BEHAVIOR OF LARGE INDIAN CIVET (VIVERRA ZIBETHA) IN CAPTIVITY AT CHITTAGONG ZOO.

Abstract

Length-weight measurements, food and feeding behavior of large Indian Civet(Viverra zibetha) are carried out at Chittagong Zoo, Chittagong, during December to February 2008-2009. A group of two Civet individuals was studied. The study was based generally on two days observations in a week. The total length weighed and food and feeding behavior were noted by direct observations and measurement. The food items generally supplied to the Civet at Chittagong Zoo are beef only. The average food consumption was 350 gm per day per animal and this is about 5.12% of body weight. When the large Indian Civet see the caretaker coming with their foods, they come down from the platform and/or sitting places and make a to and fro movements on the floors of the cages. They drank water before and after feeding. Self-grooming includes scratching of its own skin and hair roots. In social-grooming the individuals scratch skin and fur of one another.