Recent research has revealed how four closely related civet species coexist in the rainforests of Borneo, despite competing for similar food resources. Typically, closely related species struggle to coexist due to competition for food, but binturong, small-toothed palm, masked palm, and common palm civets have found a way to thrive together.
Using compound-specific nitrogen isotope analysis, researchers discovered that faunivory, or the consumption of animal protein, plays a more significant role in their diets than previously understood. This was a key finding published in Progress in Earth and Planetary Science on October 2, 2024.
Observational methods alone were insufficient due to the nocturnal and semi-arboreal nature of these civets. Researchers captured each species and analyzed their hair samples to determine nitrogen isotope ratios, revealing the degree of animal protein in their diets.
The results indicated that binturongs have the lowest level of faunivory, closely resembling plant-eating animals, while the other three civet species exhibit omnivorous traits. This variation in dietary habits is crucial for their coexistence in the same habitat.
Looking ahead, researchers aim to further investigate the mechanisms of coexistence among ecologically similar species in tropical rainforests, which host the highest species diversity compared to other forest types.