A sleek, nocturnal mammal native to the forests and mountains of South and Southeast Asia, known for its mysterious charm and distinctive “masked” face. Found across a wide range—from the Himalayas through China and Indochina to Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra, and even introduced to Japan—this animal thrives in diverse environments, from dense tropical rainforests to suburban gardens. Its flexibility and quiet demeanor have allowed it to coexist with humans more successfully than many forest-dwelling species.
Physically, the masked palm civet is medium-sized and catlike. The face is its most striking feature—a white mask-like pattern contrasts sharply with dark fur around the eyes, giving the impression of a mischievous bandit. This “mask” inspired both its name and much of its cultural mystique. The civet’s tail is typically darker at the tip, and its body has no spots or stripes, unlike many other civets. Strong claws and muscular limbs make it an excellent climber, capable of scaling trees or navigating rocky terrain with ease. Its long, pointed muzzle and keen sense of smell help it locate food in the dark, while its large eyes are perfectly adapted for nocturnal vision.
The masked palm civet is a solitary and mostly nocturnal animal, preferring to roam alone under the cover of night. It spends much of its time in trees, though it also forages on the ground. During daylight hours, it rests in hollow logs, dense vegetation, or high branches, creating what are known as “day beds.” It is an omnivore, feeding on a wide variety of foods: fruits, berries, insects, small mammals, reptiles, eggs, and even frogs. Its diet changes with the seasons, leaning heavily on fruit when available, which makes it an important seed disperser in tropical ecosystems. By spreading seeds through its droppings, the civet contributes to forest regeneration.
Distribution
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Brunei
Cambodia
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Laos
Malaysia
Myanmar
Nepal
Pakistan
Taiwan
Thailand
VietnamAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
