A maze learning test was conducted to investigate the learning ability of wild boars. Five wild boars were run through a complex T-maze that had two choice points. The maze test was conducted in four consecutive sessions with six trials per session. The time required to reach the goal in the maze (running time) and the number of blind alleys entered (errors) were used to measure maze performance. The number of reverse runs in the starting direction was used to measure nervousness and vigilance. The running time and number of errors decreased through four consecutive sessions. This result suggested wild boars have spatial learning ability equal to domestic animals. The running time and number of errors were considered to constitute a learning index for wild boars. The decrease in the number of reverse runs was consistent with habituation to a novel environment.

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The damage caused by masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) has increased recently in Japan. To prevent animal damage at night, illuminating devices are widely used. They are also used to the prevent damage by palm civets, although no scientific evidence of their effectiveness has been shown. We examined the behavioral responses of captive palm civets at the time of and immediately after illumination in three illumination conditions (front, side, and above) to verify the efficacy of illumination as a method of damage control. Five of six palm civets ignored or showed interest (i.e., approaching or exploring) in the light source, while one individual showed a weak startle response. Illumination had no effect on behavior, and time was spent near the light source. The present study found the palm civets showed an interest in the light rather than avoiding it. We conclude that illuminating devices have little effect as a method to prevent damage by masked palm civets.

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