Palm Civet, Key Features and Conservation Status

Context: In an unusual event, proceedings in Chamber 1 of the Kerala High Court were recently interrupted after a foul odour, traced to an Asian Palm Civet, disrupted the session.

About Asian Palm Civet

• Asian Palm Civet, also known as Toddy Cat or Common Palm Civet.
• A small nocturnal mammal found widely in South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
• Belongs to the Viverridae family, which also includes other civets and mongooses.
• Scientific Name: Paradoxurus hermaphroditus

Key Features

• Long, slender body with short legs and a pointed snout.
• Size: 53–71 cm in length (including tail); Weight: 2–5 kg.
• Fur: Brownish-grey with black spots; distinct white mask-like marking around the eyes.
• Diet: Omnivorous—feeds on fruits, insects, and small mammals.
• Known for digesting coffee beans, used in the production of the world-famous “civet coffee.”
• Possesses a keen sense of smell and excellent climbing ability, enabling it to forage in trees.
• Primarily solitary and nocturnal in behaviour.

Conservation Status

• Listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List.

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