RASOLOFONIAINA, B., RAZAFY, P., ANDRIANARIMISA, A., RAZAFIMAHATATRA, E. & KAPPELER, P. M. (2019)
Feeding ecology of the bokiboky, Mungotictis decemlineata (family Eupleridae).
Malagasy Nature, 13: 152-161.
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Abstract:
The members of the order Carnivora display a variety of dietary patterns that appear to be linked to body size and activity. Small-bodied members of the family Herpestidae are known to specialize on an insectivorous diet and to be opportunistic generalists. However, the feeding ecology of the Malagasy mongoose-like carnivorans of the family Eupleridae remains poorly known. To fill this gap, we provide detailed observations on the feeding ecology of the forest-dwelling bokiboky (Mungotictis decemlineata). We investigated variation in their seasonal diet and foraging patterns in the Kirindy Forest/CNFEREF, a dry deciduous forest in central western Madagascar. Data from dry and rainy seasons were collected using a combination of fecal analysis and behavioral observations. A total of 420 food items from 22 different taxa were detected in 63 fecal samples. The present study revealed that M. decemlineata has a broad dietary preference, but is predominantly insectivorous. Furthermore, M. decemlineata responds to seasonal variation in prey abundance. Its inclination to insectivory may be a factor facilitating the formation of female groups.
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