Reproductive biology and conservation breeding of viverrids in Thailand

In Thailand, nine viverrid species, including the small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), have traditionally been valued for musk used in traditional medicine. Despite their cultural and economic importance, information on their reproductive biology and captive breeding has remained limited. In 2008, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother initiated a royal conservation project focused on viverrid research and propagation. The program aimed to: (1) establish conservation breeding protocols for small Indian civets, (2) characterize estrous cycles and reproductive hormone profiles, and (3) evaluate male reproductive anatomy and semen characteristics in five viverrid species: small Indian civets, large Indian civets (Viverra zibetha), large-spotted civets (Viverra megaspila), common palm civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), and masked palm civet (Paguma larvata). Results demonstrated that small Indian civets breed throughout the year, with a gestation period of 64-69 days. The breeding program successfully produced 59 kittens, with litter sizes ranging from 1 to 4 offspring. Fecal hormone analyses from nine females monitored over 12 months revealed a polyestrous reproductive pattern, with peak reproductive activity occurring from February to July. The mean estrous cycle length was 18.6 ± 4.2 days. Male reproductive morphology and semen characteristics varied among species, and copulatory plugs were identified in both small Indian civets and large Indian civets during semen collection. The project also extended practical husbandry and breeding knowledge to local farmers through community-based knowledge transfer initiatives. Overall, this study provides novel insights into viverrid reproductive biology and conservation breeding, supporting sustainable population management and reducing pressure from wild capture and hunting.