Ecology of sympatric carnivores in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand (Prionailurus bengalensis, Neofelis nebulosa, Cuon alpinus, Arctictis binturong)

Four sympatric carnivore species were studied from October 1997 to October 1999 in Khao Yai National Park (KYNP), Thailand. The study examined range requirements, habitat use, activity patterns, and prey selection for leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis), clouded leopards ( Neofelis nebulosa), dhole (Cuon alpinus), and binturongs (Arctictis binturong). Also examined was the influence of vehicle traffic on ranges and movements of leopard cats in KYNP.; Animals were captured using baited box traps. Trapped animals were anesthetized, sexed, aged, and fitted with a radio collar.; Six female and four male leopard cats were radio-tracked for 1–18 months. Leopard cats used larger areas during the wet season than dry season and males used larger areas than females. Most leopard cats used vegetation types in proportion to their presence. Vehicle traffic did not affect leopard cat location or activity. Leopard cats exhibited arrhythmic activity with increased activity during nocturnal and crepuscular periods. Dry and wet season activity was similar for all leopard cats, however, males showed greater diurnal activity than females. Travel distance for leopard cats during a 24-hour period differed by sex but not season. Rats and mice were dominant prey for leopard cats.; A female and a male clouded leopard were radio-tracked for 17 and 7 months, respectively. Area used by the female was 39.4 km2, whereas the male used 42.2 km2 and both had core areas of 2.9 km 2. Clouded leopards used semi-evergreen forest greater than other vegetation types. Activity for both animals was arrhythmic with increased levels during crepuscular and nocturnal periods.; A female solitary dhole was radio-tracked for five months and had a range of 27.6 km2 (core = 5.0 km2). The dhole showed no selection for vegetation types, but showed a strong tendency toward diurnal activity with a peak during crepuscular hours. Diet of the dhole population consisted principally of sambar (Cervus unicolor) and muntjak (Muntiacus muntjak).; A female and a male binturong were radio-tracked for 18 and 6 months, respectively. The female's range was 4.0 km2 and the male's 20.5 km2, both primarily of semi-evergreen vegetation. Both binturongs showed arrhythmic activity patterns with increased nocturnal activity and crepuscular peaks.; Additional studies are needed to determine if the results found herein are representative of the species or are specific only to KYNP. More data on the natural history of these species are needed to allow wildlife managers to make informed management decisions.