Predicted distribution of Hose’s civet Diplogale hosei (Mammalia: Carnivora: Viverridae) on Borneo

Hose’s civet Diplogale hosei is one of the world’s least known carnivores and is endemic to Borneo. We collected 43 records of which only 20 (Balanced Model) or 24 (Spatial Filtering Model) were used to model potential habitat suitability. We predicted habitat suitable for Hose’s civet to be largely restricted to the central spine of the mountainous interior, corresponding to much of the northern half of the ‘Heart of Borneo’ complex. Although protected areas are scattered throughout this complex, many are poorly managed, facing threats from illegal logging and mining, poaching and encroachment. The surrounding matrix of logging concessions face conversion to monoculture plantations, in which there is no evidence that the species can persist. To ensure the conservation of the species, further research is urgently required, both in-depth ecological studies and basic inventory work using camera-traps across Borneo. More intensive surveys in all habitats are needed to improve current models so they can inform conservation planning more effectively. Pending sufficient information, sensible precautionary measures need to be taken such as increased enforcement including patrolling activities in key protected areas, encouraging sustainable forestry in the surrounding logging concessions and maintaining forested corridors to support movement and gene flow between sub-populations.