Sequential Pattern of Behavior in the Common Palm Civet, Paradoxurus hermaphroditus (Pallas)
Abstract
Animals possess a behavioral repertoire, which forms the basis of activity patterns. In the present investigation, the behavioral sequences of seven palm civets were observed in captivity during 18:00- 06:00 h. The transitions from one behavioral state to another were revealed using a contingency table representing the six behavioral states viz ., resting, feeding, comfort behavior, social behavior, sniffing behavior and locomotion. The behavior sequences were elucidated using a first order Markov chain model. The hypothesis for the first order Markov chain model against a zero order chain is sustaining in palm civets and the probability of the animal being in a particular state depends on the immediately preceding act and all other past history is immaterial.