BREEDING 147

P d d EST. AGE (days) d P

45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95

103 113 123 133 148 515

2000 2460 2650 3000 3320 3710 4240 4330 5100 5920 5920 6800 7850 7950 8000

10200 17000

1550 1670 2050 2290 2370 2650 2920 3030 3620 4160 4000 5370 6050 6200 6300 7600

10000

Table 3. Weight gain in the d and 0 Wolverines during postnatal development. Measurements are given in g.

(Pm,) with the rest of the molars (MI and M,) appearing shortly afterwards. The replacement of the milk premolars started on day 128 and was complete by day 150; the permanent canines were cut between days 134-135, though the milk canines were not shed until some time later. By day 150 all the permanent teeth were in place, the dental formula being: I:, Ct, Pm:, M:. It is worth noting that the permanent dentition, which was white and robust, differed considerably in appearance from the milk teeth which were delicate and quite dark in colour.

Weight (9) 94 1 8565 845

Length of tail 26 28 29 8

Length of foot 23 23 24 4

Length of body 157 160 155

Length of palm 199 199 20

Length of ear 5 1 5 25 45

Table 4. Weight and body measurements of Wolverine young at one day old. Measurements are given in mm.

After two-and-a-half months, the p shed the juvenile coat which was replaced with an adult summer coat on which the characteristic dark band along the chest was clearly evident. The d’s adult coat developed about two weeks later.

In January 1979 we were given the oppor- tunity to study new-born Wolverines when we obtained an adult wild-caught pregnant 0 which gave birth in March to one d and two 9 young. They were blind a t birth, covered in 4.5 mm-long downy beige-coloured fur, had tightly shut ear channels and no teeth. Table 4 presents figures on the weight and various body measurements taken when these animals were one day old.

Prior to giving birth, the p stopped eating. When the young were born the temperature was -7°C. They died of pneumonia three or four days later.

Manuscript submitted 12 June 1979

Notes on breeding the Marsh mongoose

at Berlin Zoo Atilax paludinosus

REINHARD FRESE Scientijc Assistant, Zoologischer Garten Berlin, I000 Berlin 30, Hardenbeqplatz 8, West Germany

The Marsh mongoose Atilax paludinosus has been kept only rarely in zoological gardens, and there has been comparatively little success in

breeding and rearing in captivity. In recent years births have been recorded in the USA, at Houston Zoo, and in the South African zoos of

148 BREEDING

Bloemfontein, Durbanville, East London, Pietermaritzburg and Pretoria. At the last named breeding has been to second generation (Yearbook breeding lists 1969-1980). T h e most successful group was established in the USA at Washington N Z P between 1958-1968. From a pair imported from Kenya in 1953, 15 litters were recorded, of which two consisted of twins and the rest single births (J. Eisenberg, pers. comm.).

HOUSING AND FEEDING In 1978 the Berlin Zoo obtained two 9 Marsh mongooses in May and a CF in July. Shortly after their arrival they were moved to indoor quarters in the small carnivore house, and housed in a glass-fronted cage with an area of about 8 mz and c. 3 . 5 m in height. T o give the animals a naturalistic environment a pool was installed towards the back and at one side of the cage. T h e bottom of the basin rises towards the rear edge, leading to a small raised dry area into which a cave with two exits was built. T h e cage is decorated with two branches, partly project- ing into the water, for the animals to climb, and the narrow dry area on the side of the pool is decorated, according to availability, with bamboo or leafy branches inserted into a small planting tray.

The food offered, consisting of 80% animal protein and 20% vegetables, was accepted from the first day. The animals are each given 170 g dailq , of which 120 g is meat either minced or in small pieces, birds (up to the size ofdomestic pigeons) or mammals (up to the size of rats). In addition sea and freshwater fishes, dried shrimps and, when available, live crabs and other crustaceans are given. T h e vegetable diet includes various fruits, such as apples and bananas, as well as carrots and they also like dried dates, figs and shelled peanuts. Once a week they are fed a soup consisting of 50% cow's milk and 50% water with biscuits and chopped offal added. Twice weekly the food is supplemented with vitamins and calcium.

A faecal analysis has shown that egg shells, fig and apple seeds and apple skins and cores are eliminated undigested, but, somewhat surprisingly, birds, which are devoured whole, including feathers, are digested almost totally.

BEHAVIOUR For the first few weeks the animals emerged from the cave only after the normal public opening hours, but after three months they appeared approximately two hours before closing time, that is, between 1600-1700 hours, and roamed around the cage. They kept to this time schedule for several months and then became active some three hours earlier, about midday. This routine has not changed and in normal circumstances they are very rarely seen outside the cave during the morning.

Our Marsh mongooses, as is characteristic of other mongoose species, roam their quarters rather restlessly during their active phase, often looking for leftovers in the shallow water, since shrimps and crabs are fed to them in the pool. They enjoy climbing the branches in their enclosure and can d o so with some ease. T h e d especially seems to feel comfortable high up and sleeps in a fully stretched position with his head tilted downwards. Their jumping abilities, without being exceptional, can be described as good, and they are able to leap over a distance of 60-70 cm without exertion.

Although this species has been described as excellent swimmers and divers (Lombard, 1958; Hinton & Dunn, 1967), the specimens at Berlin seem to dislike water. They try to catch the food items in the water from the side of the pool with the front paws and if that becomes impossible, they enter it very carefully and only as far as absolutely necessary. Only very rarely are they seen swimming. If entering the water becomes unavoidable, they quite obviously take pains to wade forward trying to keep their feet on the bottom of the basin. This may indicate that Marsh mongooses are mainly terrestrial using the water only for protection or for food. We would therefore assume that in their natural environment sufficient food is available in the shallows so that diving for or pursuing prey into deeper water is rarely necessary.

BREEDING In January and March 1979 the d copulated with one of the 9 0. This confirms observations made in the wild that Atalux occur only singly or in pairs, although in our group the presence of

BREEDING 149

the second p did not seem to inhibit the willingness of the other two animals to mate.

Mating was observed twice on the same day, although of course more frequent copulations may have taken place. Pre-copulatory behaviour began with the d pursuing the 9 rather aggressively for about 15 minutes, although they carefully avoided entering the water. During the chase the second p hid in the cave. The 9 apparently tried to escape from the 6’s attacks while both animals made threaten- ing sounds with their mouths wide open and a piercing heckling sound was heard. The sides of the d’s nose were inflated and shiny, a characteristic never noted at any other time. Finally with the pursuit at its peak, the p appeared to be raped, with the d mounting in the normal mating position without the side- ways twist which we have observed in Herpestes auropunctatus. The p assumed a crouching position with her back bent and her body slightly contracted. The act of copulation took 30 seconds while the d made loud heck- ling sounds throughout. After mating the pair ignored each other.

BIRTH On 11 March, not long after the last observed mating, three young were born but were killed and eaten the same day. This may have been because it was the 9’s first litter or because of the presence of the d and second p which, as the birth was unexpected, had not been removed.

A second litter 2.1 was born to the same animal on 18 June. On this occasion the preg- nancy had been recognised and the d and the other 9 had been moved previously.

The mother and her young were left totally undisturbed on the day of delivery but on the second day the cave, in which the young had been born, was carefully inspected to ensure that they were being cared for and to determine their number. During the first few days the mother was not seen outside the cave until around 1900 hours. She took her food at about 2000 rather hesitantly and always left some of it. During her absence the young would whimper loudly. On day 2 another sleeping box was supplied. This was first used on day 6 for a short period and from day 9 it was used

regularly. By this time the p had begun to eat normally again.

On day 8 an infant was removed from the box for measuring and weighing. On day 1 1, as we found all three young were in the same box, we took the opportunity of recording all their measurements, especially as with the facilities we have available separating the mother pre- sented no problem and the handling of the first young had produced no undesirable conse- quences (Tables 1 and 2).

When first handled all three young were well developed and fully furred as they appeared to have been from birth. On day 8 the eyes had begun to open but they were not fully open until day 11. Their auditory canals opened on day 18. They cut their incisors on day 15 while their premolars cut through on day 26. At seven weeks they had a fully developed set of teeth. At two weeks they were fed a solid pre-chewed diet by the mother, while by day 30, they could devour stew-size chunks which they cut with their molars in a cat-like manner.

At only two weeks of age they would open their mouths wide in a threatening manner if frightened. When being handled for measuring and weighing they gave a piercing shriek and when slightly disturbed emitted a heckling sound. A low ‘buh-buh’ expressed the desire for social contact and from day 18 a clearly audible growling marked a fear situation, while a distinct purr showed contentment.

AGE WEIGHT (g) (days) Q d, d2

1 1 15 18 23 29 32 36 43 50

255 310 330 330 400 445 510 650 825

260 310 330 315 380 420 480 610 780

255 310 330 335 390 420 510 710 860

Table 1. Rate of weight increase of litter of Marsh mongoose Atilax paldinofus born at Berlin Zoo 18 June 1979. Assuming a birth weight of c. 200 g the young had doubled their weight by four weeks and were more than eight times their birth weight by seven weeks old.

150 BREEDING

HEAD WIDTH AGE HtAD/BODY LENGTH T.411. LENGTH I I IND PAWS

TAIL APPEND4GE l:OKt:BA\h'S

11

15

18

23

29

36

43

50

228

250

250

253

260

310

340

340

220

240

255

265

270

295

300

335

240

250

250

270

270

305

305

350

80 17

105 20

110 20

120 20

133 22

153 22

I55 28

150 30

-

-

- -

-

-

-

-

- 86 18

100 18

110 18

110 18

135 21

145 22

155 27

180 30

-

-

L

-

-

-

-

82 18

85 17

100 18

-

-

-

l l j 18

130 22

145 22

145 26

170 27

-

-

- -

41 60

45 62 -

47 65

56 72

65 80

65 85

70 92

76 95

-

-

-

-

-

dl

92 -

60

47 70

47 70

53 76

60 80

65 80

70 85

70 95

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

- 40 63

45 65

47 65

50 69

59 74

-

-

-

-

60 85

65 85

68 98

-

-

- 47 82

47 80

49 95

50 95

50 100

50 105

58 105

60 120

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

41 83

42 85

45 103

50 103

50 103

50 105

57 110

58 115

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

- 40 80

45 90

45 100

45 100

50 100

55 105

55 107

55 107

-

-

-

-

-

-

Table 2. Growth rate of Marsh mongoose young. The animals were identified as follows: p marked on back; d, unmarked; d, marked on head. All measurements are given in mm.

Contrary to the mother's usual activity pattern, she now appeared more during the day always escorted by her adolescent young, who playfully pursued each other, even into the water, although this may have been the result of rivalry for food.

Determination of sex, which in other viver- rids appears to be quite difficult, was quite straightforward with the young Atifax. T h e vaginal opening in the Q was some 5-7 mm in length by day 11 and is located a few milli- meters below the anus. The forward bifurcate tip of the penis is well visible in the d and is located c. 10-15 mm below the anus. The genitals are thickly furred and slightly pro- truding. At this time the testicles were not detectable.

When the young were about two months old, we attempted to reunite the group. T h e return of the d on the 16 August did not lead to any significant disturbance and therefore 12 days

later, we attempted to introduce the second Q. After about 30 minutes there was a violent out- break of biting and two of the young were severely wounded. One died immediately from a broken neck and the second succumbed just over a month later with general sepsis. T h e third young, a d, survived and was separated from the adult group. It is hoped to mate this animal with the second Q in due course.

Since the biting occurred only in the pre- sence of the second p , it would appear that in captivity Atilax should be kept in pairs or parentlsibling groups only.

T h e question of whether the presence of the d during and after delivery would have any negative results still remains unanswered.

4CKhOM L L D G L M E N T

1 should like to express my sincere thanks to the head keeper, Mr Stoermer, for his kind assistance in the weighing and measuring of the young as well as his detailed reports on the animals'behaviour.

151 BREEDING

REFERENCES HINTON. H. E. & DUNN. their natural history and London: Oliver & Boyd.

LOMBARD, G . L. (1958): The water mongooses Atilax

Manuscript submitted 13 February 1980

A. M (1967): Mongooses, paludinosus. FaundFlora, Pretoria 9: 24-27. behaviour. Edinburgh and

Observations on the Indian desert cat

in captivity Felis silvestris ornata

B. A. T O N K I N & E. KOHLER Max-Planck-Institut fur Verhaltensphysiologie, 5600 Wuppertal I , Boettinger Weg 37, West Germany

In December 1978 we acquired 1.2 Indian desert cats Felis silvesttis ornata of unknown age. These cats had been imported by the previous owner in March of the same year from the area known as the Sindh desert on the east bank of the river Indus in Pakistan. When they reached us they were scruffy and infested with ascarid worms and looked rather disappoint- ingly similar to domestic cats. They soon settled into their new surroundings, however, and after they had been successfully dewormed (using Banminth ‘Katze’) their fur became smooth and their attractive markings clearly visible. The relatively long limbs and tail and the long body, especially of the dd, point the difference between them and their domestic relatives.

The coat has small to medium-sized solid dark spots on a greyish tawny background. The tawny belly bears only a smudged indication of spots. There is a curved ‘necklace’ marking at the base of the throat and one or two dark bands around the upper forelegs and hind legs; some of these markings may dissolve into spots or dashes rather than stripes. The tail has dark bands which become progressively wider and darker towards the rear but do not meet on the light underside; the tail ends with a relatively large black section. All fur markings show considerable individual variation. In QA and her two kittens born subsequently there are only spots on the main coat. In the d, gB and her three kittens the rows of spots over the shoulders and ribs from the nape tend to join up into stripes, some diagonal, others at right- angles to the body, and in all but one case asymmetrical, on one side of the body only.

The individual variation in these stripes is so great that they proved a reliable means of tell- ing the kittens of the B litter apart before they developed clearly distinguishable personalities. This was particularly vital when fast moving activities involving all three were being observed and recorded. Among the most uni- form features common to all the cats are the patch of tawny fur at the end of the back just above the base of the tail and the small but pronounced tuft of hairs up to about 1 cm long growing from the tip of each ear (Plate 1).

In late January 1979 gA came into oestrus for approximately four days. Two d kittens were subsequently born in the communal cage at midday on 29 March 1979,65 days from the only complete copulation observed during the oestrous period. Shortly after the birth the d extracted a kitten from the nest. As his intentions began to look predatory rather than paternal, the kitten was retrieved (so far unharmed) and transferred with the mother cat and the other kitten to a small emergency cage in the corner of the only spare room in the building. On the way there, the kitten was photographed and weighed and a recording made of its distress call before it was replaced in the nest with its mother, who accepted the whole upheaval with quite remarkable composure.

Female B came into oestrus early in April 1979 and 3.1 kittens were born in the course of the day on June 21. A good deal of sexual activity had been observed during the oestrous period but no complete copulation. However, general observations clearly indicate that 9 B’s oestrus also lasted approximately four days,