Seasonal changes in body size and reproductive status of masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) captured in Saitama prefecture, Japan

To obtain basic information to effectively control damage by masked palm civets (Paguma larvata), we investigated the body size and reproductive status of 168 adult masked palm civets (male: 74, female: 94) captured in Saitama prefecture, Japan, and determined whether there are sexual, seasonal or regional differences in these parameters. Body sizes showed no significant difference between males and females. Masked palm civets captured in winter were heavier and their chest and pelvic circumferences were larger than that captured in the other seasons. The mating season was estimated to last from January to September at least, though we could not evaluate if masked palm civets were able to mate from October to December because few animals were captured in these three months. The average litter size was 2.9±0.9, and the parous rate was 57.4%. Body size, parous rate, and litter size showed no significant differences between urban and rural areas. The present study suggested that masked palm civets, regarded as a non-native animal to Japan, have adjusted to the Japanese climate, have high reproductive capacity, and are able to live in areas close to human habitation. These results were obtained in a background of increasing concern about damage caused by masked palm civets.