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Species Report: Asia Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus)
Nomenclature and Classification
The Asia palm civet is in the kingdom
Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order
Canivora, family Viverridae and subfamily
Paradoxurus. Scientific name of Asia palm civet is
Paradoxurus hermaphrodites Pallas, 1777 (ITIS,
1995 onwards).
Common names: Common Palm Civet,
Mentawai (wood-dog in Indian) Palm Civet, Musang
(to the Malays) and sometimes Toddy Cat (the name
came about because this creature was apparently fond
of drinking from vessels put in palm trees to collect
sap for making toddy or fermented palm sap sugar.)
Taxonomy note: Many subspecies have been
Young adult resting high in the trees.
described (Corbet and Hill 1992) and a taxonomic
Central Catchment, Singapore.
revision is needed (Veron et al. in prep.).
Paradoxurus lignicolor, endemic to the Mentawai (http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/mammals/
islands, has a debated taxonomic status, being common_palm_civet.htm)
sometimes considered a separate species (Schreiber et al. 1989, Corbet and Hill 1992) or, as here, a
subspecies of P. hermaphroditus (Wozencraft 2005); its taxonomic status needs re-evaluation.
Distribution (IUCN 2008)
The species has a widespread distribution in central, south and southeastern Asia occurring in
Borneo (Wells et al. 2005), India (Krishnakumar and Balakrishnan 2003); Lao (Duckworth 1997),
Peninsular Malaysia (Azlan 2003; Kawanishi and Sunquist 2004; Laidlaw pers.cComm.), Myanmar
(Su Su 2005), Siberut Island (Mentawai, Indonesia; Abegg 2003), Philippines (Heaney et al. 1991),
Thailand (Austin and Tewes 1999), Bhutan, Cambodia (J.L. Walstone pers. comm.), southern China
(including Hainan), Nepal, Singapore (B.P.Y.H. Lee pers. comm.), Sri Lanka , Vietnam (Roberton
2007); and with scattered records in Sulawesi, Moluccas, and the Aru Islands (New Guinea),
probably resulting from introductions (Wozencraft 2005).
It was also introduced to Japan in the late 1800s, and still persists there today (S. Roy in litt.
2006). It has also been recorded from the islands of Bawean (Indonesia), Con Son (Viet Nam), Koh
Samui (Thailand), Koh yao (Thailand), Samar (Philippines), and Telebon (Thailand) (Meiri, 2005),
in addition to many others (Pocock 1939). Paradoxurus lignicolor (included in Paradoxurus
hermaphroditus by Wilson and Reeder 2005) was recorded by Abegg (2003) on Siberut of the
Mentawai Islands of Indonesia.
In addition it has been found on the Philippine islands of Biliran, Maripipi (Rickart et al. 1993)
Mindoro, Catanduanes (Heaney et al. 1991), Cebu, Masbate, Polillo, Ilin, Samar, Dumaran and
Panay (Timm and Birney 1980; Lastimosa pers. comm.).
Native: Bangladesh; Bhutan; Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; China; India; Indonesia; Lao People's
Democratic Republic; Malaysia; Myanmar; Nepal; Philippines; Singapore; Sri Lanka; Thailand;
Viet Nam
Introduced: Japan, Presence uncertain: Papua New Guinea
Population size and trend: The population status is poorly known. However, there is sufficient
evidence to indicate that across its wide range this is generally one of the most common species of
civets, except in southern China were it is extensively hunted/trapped (M. Lau pers. comm. 2006) .
In mainland (non-Sundaic) SE Asia it occurs commonly at almost any site that is surveyed using
suitable methodology, including the most degraded, isolated among human environments, and
hunted small sites such as Houay Nhang in Lao PDR and Hlawga in Myanmar (Duckworth 2007,
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Su Su 2005, Than Zaw et al. in prep., Roberton et al. in prep., R. J. Timmins pers. comm., J.
L.Walston pers. comm.). The population trend is also stable.
Description
Life span: 22 years in captivity
Weight: About 3- 4 kg
Length: Head-body length : 42-50 cm (up to 53 cm), Tail length : 33-42cm (up to 48 cm)
(http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/mammals/common_palm_civet.htm)
Features: The common palm civets are identified by the three dark stripes along the back,
on a creamy or grey background, and by the dark mask across the eyes and nose (EcologyAsia
website).
The tail is also semi-prehensile which
allows the civet to use it for balance. The coat is
coarse, shaggy, and normally brown or gray.
Depending on the civet species, they can have
spots or stripes.
Both males and females have a large anal
scent gland which resembles testicles somewhat,
and explains the hermaphroditus portion of their
scientific name.
(http://forums.joeuser.com/303390/page/2). The
common palm civet also has sharp claws used
for climbing. When threatened, the civet cats
will also hiss and spit like cats though they are
A lone male rests in a mango tree in the East Coast area
differ physically and genetically from cats.
of Singapore.
Although civets are also often known as civet
cats, they form the Viverridae, which is a
completely separate family from the cats, which
make up the Felidae.
Diagram: A recent schematic cladogram from a
2005 paper, which shows you the phylogenetic
relationships between the various extant
carnivores (The Lazy Lizard’s Tale)
Reproduction: A female can give birth to 3-4
young per litter. Young reach maturity in about
a year. They usually nest, however, in hollow
trees and the average gestation period is about 60
days. It can be very aggressive when threatened
exhibiting hissing and spitting behavior like a cat.
The civet cat is normally solitary, except during
mating and the subsequent raising of young by
the mother. It primarily stays in trees to feed,
live, sleep, and reproduce, hence adopting an
arboreal lifestyle.
(http://forums.joeuser.com/303390/page/2).
During the brief periods of mating and when the
females have their young, the civets occupy the
resting trees together. Toddy cat reproduce
throughout the year although it has been
recorded that kittens are mostly found from
October to December and the kittens are born
with their eyes close and usually born in a
hollow tree, boulder crevices or a space among
the rocks (Civet pdf).
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Ecology
Habitats
Worldwide: This species has been found in a wide range of habitats including evergreen
and deciduous forest (primary and secondary), plantations and near humans, in habitats up to 2,400
m (Ratnam et al., 1995; Heydon and Bulloh, 1996; Duckworth 1997; Azlan, 2003; Heaney et al.
2004; Su Su, 2005; Wells et al. 2005; Than Zaw et al. in press). Radio-tracking studies have
revealed home-ranges of up to 17 km² for males and 1.6 km² for females (Dhungle and Edge, 1985;
Rabinowitz, 1991; Joshi et al. 1995; Grassman, 1998). In the Philippines the species has been
recorded in agricultural (including coffee plantations) and forested areas from sea level up to at
least 2,400 m asl (Balete and Heaney in press, Heaney et al. 1991 in press, Hoogstraal 1951, Rabor
1986, Thomas 1898) and in montane and mossy forest from 925-2150 m asl in Balbalasang,
Kalinga Province (Heaney et al, 2004). In Lao PDR, this species has been found in all habitats
surveyed, from Mekong lowlands to montane areas, evergreen to deciduous forest to scrub
(Duckworth et al. 1999). This species is adapted for forest living, yet it tolerates living in areas near
humans; sleeping in barns, drains, or roofs during the day, and coming out at night to catch rats or
forage for mango, coffee, pineapples, melons, and bananas, it also eats insects and mollusks
(Lekagul and McNeely 1977). In Myanmar, it was recorded in mixed deciduous forest and a wide
range of evergreen forest-dominated sites (Su Su, 2005, than Zaw et al. in press). This species was
recorded in primary lowland rainforest in Tawau Hills National Park in Borneo by Wells et al.
(2005). All Bornean civets (except Diplogale hosei) have been recorded in disturbed forest areas,
though abundance declines in this habitat (Heydon and Bulloh, 1996; Colon, 2002; pers. comm.). It
was recorded in disturbed habitat in Malaysia by Ratnam et al. (1995). It was recorded in secondary
forest, that was logged in the 1970s, and which surrounds a palm estate, in Malaysia in 2000-01 by
Azlan (2003). This species is largely arboreal (Payne et al. 1985), crepuscular (Azlan, 2005) and
nocturnal (e.g. Duckworth 1997). There is interesting variation across its mainland range in habitat
use. In Lao PDR it occurs commonly deep within old-growth evergreen and semi-evergreen forest
(Duckworth 1997) but it seems to avoid such habitat in the Western Ghats (Mudappa in press).
(IUCN Red List, 2009). The common Palm Civet occurs in secondary forests, fruit orchards, near
village houses or in the tops of trees close to human habitats, indeed it sometimes inhabits the roof
spaces of rural properties (EcologyAsia)
Singapore: The civet cats live in
forested places, rural areas and also near human
settlements. There are three different types of
native civet cats in Singapore, Viverra zibetha
(Large
Indian
Civet),
Paradoxurus
hermaphroditus (Common Palm Civet) and
Arctogalidia trivirgata (Three-striped Palm
Civet) (Teo & Rajathurai, 1997). While
Singapore used to have 8 species of civet, only
the common palm civet (Paradoxurus
hermaphroditus) is now encountered with some
regularity. As for the rest of the civet species
once found in Singapore, the binturong, smallFull-grown adult attracted to mango fruits in the
toothed palm civet (Arctogalidia trivirgata),
Portsdown Road area of Singapore.
masked palm civet (Paguma larvata), otter civet
(Cynogale bennettii), Malay civet (Viverra
tangalunga), large-spotted civet (Viverra megaspila), and large Indian civet (Viverra zibetha) are all
either extinct or nearly so (The Lazy Lizard’s Tale, 2009). An animal that has been reported making
a ruckus in the roof space of houses and scampering along telegraph cables. It spends most of the
day time , hidden in the crowns of the coconut trees, thus the name 'Palm Civet' (WildSingapore).
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Feeding
Palm civets forage exclusively at night. The likelihood of encountering predators during the
day may have favored nocturnal foraging behavior. The activity period, from 1800 to 0400, is
influenced by daylight. Palm civets become active only after dark and retreat to rest sites just before
dawn (Joshi et. al.).
Palm civets choose the tallest and largest trees in the immediate area. P. hermaphroditus
exhibits considerable overlap of ranges among conspecifics. Social organization and activity
patterns of these civets are shaped by the distribution of food resources and the activities of larger
mammalian predators. The palm civet is more arboreal than the large Indian civet. Non-overlapping
territories often occur when food resources are evenly distributed, and defense is uneconomical
when food resources are superabundant. When foraging in the same area, civets repeatedly used the
same resting trees. Resting trees with vines and holes, preferred by the civets, were used for several
consecutive days. Palm civets are primarily frugivorous, feeding on berries and pulpy fruits,
including those of Ficus trees and palms. P. hermaphroditus is said to pick its fruit carefully,
apparently leaving the less ripe fruit for a later date. Palm civets will eat reptiles, eggs, and insects
as well. (Shiroff, 2002)
Since the civet cats stay in close proximity to human settlements, it is also an opportunistic
hunter, making it an omnivore. It will hunt in areas of human habitation eating pest species and will
also take advantage of human leftovers (http://forums.joeuser.com/303390/page/2)
Threats
In some parts of its range this species is hunted for bush meat and the pet trade. In South China it is
extensively hunted and trapped (Lau pers. comm.). It is also persecuted as a pest (Gupta, 2004, Su
Su 2005, GMA Philippines, 2006) though it seems able to tolerate very high levels of persecution
(e.g. Duckworth 1997). Dead individuals of this species were found with local tribes during a visit
to Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and Agra, Uttar Pradesh in India between 1998 and 2003, where it is
killed for its meat (Gupta, 2004). While these pressures are certainly having localized effects on
populations in highly fragmented and ‘humanized’ areas, e.g. Houay Nhang (Lao PDR), there is no
evidence in mainland South-east Asia of them significantly reducing the population levels in large
tracts of natural and semi-natural habitat, even in the heavily hunted countries of Lao PDR and Viet
Nam; while in India it is a common urban commensal (e.g. Gupta 2004).
Biological resource use
Hunting & trapping terrestrial animals
Incidental or accidental mortality (bycatch)
The civet cats are also persecuted by fruit agriculturalists as the civets eat the fruits.
However, they are also effective fruit dispersers. The civet cats are also threatened by the
deforestation of their natural habitats (Shiroff, 2002).
Common palm civet, Pasir Panjang; (Photo by
kampang)
Conservation Actions: It is found within
protected areas throughout its range (e.g. Lao
PDR - Duckworth 1997, Viet Nam – Roberton et
al. in prep.; Cambodia–J. L. Walmart pers. comm.;
Myanmar – Than Zaw et al. in press). It was
recorded from Hlawga Wildlife Park in Myanmar
between 2000 and 2003 (Su Su, 2005). This
species was recorded from Tawau Hills National
Park in Borneo in 2003-04 (Wells et al, 2005).
This species was recorded from Jerangau Forest
Reserve in Peninsular Malaysia in 2000-01
(Azlan, 2003). It was also recorded from
Temengor Forest Reserve in Malaysia by Ratnam
et al. (1995). It has been found in Bawangling,
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Wuzhishan and Yinggeling Nature Reserves in Hainan in the last few years (Lau pers. comm. 2006).
This species is protected in Malaysia (Azlan pers. comm.). It is protected by law in Sichuan, China
(Li et al, 2000), and it is listed as Vulnerable on the China Red List (Wang and Xie, 2004). Field
surveys, ecological studies, habitat protection and monitoring of threats are needed, especially in
areas where it may be reduced due to human depredation (ie China). (IUCN Report, 2009)
Other Information
Under the Red List Category & Criteria in the year 2008, the common palm civet was
categorized under Least Concern. This species is listed as Least Concern as it has a wide
distribution, large populations, is tolerant of a broad range of habitats, and because it is unlikely to
be declining at nearly the rate required to qualify for listing in a threatened category.
However, in Singapore, the status is listed as Vulnerable as seen from the WildSingapore
Website. (http://www.wildsingapore.per.sg/discovery/factsheet/civetpalm.htm)
Perfume: The civet cat was also captured to harvest musk from that scent gland they have
for perfumes and such. However, that has dropped off due to synthetic scents and enforced humane
practices.
Coffee: Paradoxurus hermaphroditus sometimes feeds on the fruits of coffee trees, but they
do not digest the coffee beans. The coffee beans (seeds) pass through the digestive tract of these
civets whole and are collected by humans for use in coffee. This kind of coffee is sought after for its
unusual flavor and for its rarity. It was once a regional specialty but is now marketed in high end
coffee markets worldwide. Kopi Luwak is the most expensive coffee in the world selling between
$120-$600 USD per pound (Shiroff, 2002). SARS: The Palm Civet was suspected of causing the
SARS outbreak. However, bats were the ones carrying the SARS virus and the disease was passed
to the civets. The civet cats were then killed to prevent the spread of the SARS virus.
Literature Cited
Duckworth, J.W., Widmann P., Custodio, C., Gonzalez, J.C., Jennings, A. & Veron, G. 2008.
Paradoxurus hermaphroditus. In: IUCN 2008. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
<www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 11 May 2009.
Francis, C.M., 2001. Mammals of South-east Asia. New Holland.
Payne, J., Francis, C.M., 1998. A Field Guide to the Mammals of Borneo. The Sabah Society.
From EcologyAsia Website: http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/mammals/common_palm_civet.htm
ITIS., 1995 onwards. Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.
http://www.itis.gov. (Accessed 25 Feb. 2009).
Joshi, A., Smith, J., Cuthbert, F. Influences of Food Distribution and Predation Pressures on
Spacing Behavior in Palm Civets. Journal of Mammology, 76(4):1205-1212, 1995.
Shiroff, A. 2002. "Paradoxurus hermaphroditus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed May
12, 2009 at
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Paradoxurus_hermaphroditus.html.
Teo, R.C.H. & Rajathurai, S. (1997). Mammals, reptiles and amphibians in the Nature Reserves of
Singapore – Diversity, abundance and distribution. In Chan, L. & Corlett, R.T. (Eds.), Biodiversity
in the Nature Reserves of Singapore. (pp. 353 – 425). Singapore:National Parks Board.
(http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130&Itemid=12
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Blog: The Lazy Lizard’s Tale (http://lazy-lizard-tales.blogspot.com/2009/03/civet-cats-on-tanglinhalt-tree-look.html) Civet cats on Tanglin Halt tree? Look Again, 23rd March, 2009
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