The persistence of seed-dispersing animals in degraded habitats could be critical for ensuring the long-term conservation value and restoration of forests. This is particularly important in Southeast Asia, where > 70% of the remaining forest areas are within 1 km of a forest edge, and many are degraded (e.g. logged). We synthesized information on the habitat associations of the binturong Arctictis binturong, a large, semi-arboreal, frugivorous civet and one of the most important seed dispersers in the region, especially for figs (Ficus spp). We adopted a multiscale approach by employing ensemble species distribution modelling from presence-only records, assessing landscape-scale variation in detection rates in published camera-trap studies and using hierarchical occupancy modelling to assess local (i.e. within-landscape) patterns observed from 20 new camera-trap surveys. Contrary to prior reports that binturongs are strongly associated with intact forests, the species was equally present in degraded forests and near forest edges where sufficient forest cover was maintained (> 40% forest cover within a 20-km radius). The species also tolerates moderate incursions of oil palm plantations (< 20% of the area within a 20-km radius covered by oil palm plantations). The relative resilience of binturongs to habitat degradation could be in part because of behavioural adaptations towards increased nocturnal activity. These results support the notion that key seed dispersers can persist and maintain their ecological function in degraded forests.

Populations of carnivore species outside protected areas may be of considerable importance for conservation, as many protected areas do not provide sufficient space for viable populations. Data on carnivore population sizes and trends are often biased towards protected areas, and few studies have examined the role of unprotected areas for carnivore conservation. We used camera-trapping data and spatial capture–recapture models to estimate population densities for four sympatric carnivores: the African leopard Panthera pardus, spotted hyaena Crocuta crocuta, brown hyaena Parahyaena brunnea and African civet Civettictis civetta in Platjan, a predominantly agricultural, mixed land-use system, South Africa. Mean densities per 100 km2 for the leopard were 2.20 (95% CI 1.32–3.68) and 2.18 (95% CI 1.32–3.61) for left and right flank data, respectively; spotted hyaena, 0.22 (95% CI 0.06–0.81); brown hyaena, 0.74 (95% CI 0.30–1.88); and African civet 3.60 (95% CI 2.34–5.57; left flanks) and 3.71 (95% CI 2.41–5.72; right flanks). Our results indicate that although densities are lower than those reported for protected areas, humans and predators coexist in this unprotected agricultural matrix. We suggest that increased conservation effort should be focused in such areas, to mitigate human–carnivore conflicts. Our study improves the knowledge available for carnivore populations on privately owned, unprotected land, and may benefit conservation planning.

We used transect and camera-trap surveys and DNA identification of scat samples to provide the first update since 1977 of large mammals in the montane forests of the conflict-ridden province of Nuristan in eastern Afghanistan. Nuristan contains a range of habitats from oak Quercus spp. forests to treeless alpine steppes that historically hosted populations of markhor Capra falconeri, Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus, grey wolf Canis lupus and common leopard Panthera pardus, among others. Surveys conducted in 2006–2009 in an area of 1,100 km2 by the Wildlife Conservation Society confirmed the presence of some of these species, and also recorded the common palm civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, previously unknown from Afghanistan; this extends the westernmost boundary for this species. The most commonly recorded species, as determined by direct sightings, scat identification or camera-trap photographs, were the Indian crested porcupine Hystrix indica, red fox Vulpes vulpes and a canid (grey wolf or golden jackal Canis aureus). Despite indications of significant habitat loss and unsustainable hunting, globally important species persist in the area and targeted conservation programmes are required for the protection of these species, the forests they inhabit and the surrounding communities who depend on both for their survival.

Many frugivorous animals disperse seeds in their faeces (Corlett 1998, van der Pijl 1982), which may enhance the ability of secondary seed dispersers and post-dispersal seed predators to locate seeds (Andresen 2001, Chapman 1989, Feer 1999, Janzen 1982). By destroying and moving seeds these animals can radically alter the primary seed shadows generated by frugivorous animals and, consequently, have the potential to influence plant recruitment (Alcántara et al. 2000, Crawley 1992). Nevertheless, the influence of faeces on seed removal in South-East Asian forests has not previously been investigated and our knowledge currently comes from studies in Neotropical forests (Andresen 2001, Chapman 1989, Feer 1999, Janzen 1982).

The Malay civet Viverra tangalunga is a relatively little known member of Borneo's carnivore community found throughout Peninsular Malaysia, Palawan, Sumatra and adjacent islands and Sulawesi. To investigate the basic ecology of this species and examine the potential impact of selective logging, a radiotelemetry study was carried out in the Ulu Segama Forest Reserve in Sabah, East Malaysia. From December 1995 to June 1997, home range, movement and activity data were collected on 12 study animals in a dipterocarp rain forest, and comparisons made between civets in a selectively logged and an unlogged site. Mean home-range size was 110 ha and did not differ between sites or gender. In areas of range overlap, radio-collared civets tended to avoid one another. Day beds were located on the ground and were associated with dense cover. Activity levels averaged 55% and were similar between forest types and gender. Most activity occurred from 18:00 to 07:00 during which mean activity was 81%. In a single day, males travelled further and covered a larger part of their home range than females. Roads and trails were used by both sexes, and roads were the only observed source of mortality resulting from vehicles. While density was higher in the unlogged forest, this species persists in both areas. The ability to survive in disturbed habitats might be influenced by the proximity of undisturbed habitat that served as a biological reservoir, or source of individuals to immigrate into the disturbed habitat.