Asian Palm Civet

The Asian Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) is a viverrid found in tropical forests throughout Asia, though they are mostly concentrated in the South and South East areas. They have a rather interesting look to them, almost like a cat crossed with a weasel. They have body lengths of up to 21in (53cm) with a tail of about the same length. They weigh 4-10lbs (2-5kg). Asian Palm Civets are also known as Toddy Cats and Common Palm Civets.

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Asian Palm Civets are nocturnal and terrestrial. They come out at night to feed without as much risk from predation, and their diet consists of small mammals and insects, as well as fruits and other native vegetation. They are solitary animals, and really only come together during the brief breeding season. Liters range from 2-5 young.

One interesting fact about the Asian Palm Civet is that they eat whole coffee beans. These beans pass through their digestive system whole and are then harvested from their feces by humans. This coffee, known as Kopi Luwak, is the most expensive coffee in the world, and sells for upwards of $200 per pound.

Asian Palm Civets are currently listed as being of Least Concern, though habitat loss could affect their population in the future.

Binturong

The Binturong (Arctictis binturong) also has an equally awesome alternate common name, the Bearcat! However, it really isn't much of a bear OR a cat. While it is true that it is part of the Feliforma suborder, it is not a member of family Felidae. Binturongs are a part of their own family, Viverridae, which is shared with Civets, Linsangs, and Genets. There are six subspecies of Binturong, all of which have slight differences based upon location and habitat. Binturongs range in body size from 60-100cm in length, (not including their tail which has roughly the same length) and weigh between 20 and 30lbs.

Binturongs are nocturnal animals native to the rain forests of South East Asia. The species range spans through several countries including China, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. They are tree dwelling mammals, and have fully prehensile tails that basically double their body length and can be used to cling to the trees or to grasp food. Binturongs are phenomenal climbers, and can even move upside down from branch to branch and rotate their back ankles to assist in grasping. However, they are quite awkward when it comes to ground movement, and tend to amble from side to side a bit like a bear. They are omnivores and will eat fruits, leaves, rodents, insects and even carrion. Binturongs are important to their habitat because their digestive system is able to break down tough strangler fig seed shells. Once the seeds pass through and are defecated they are capable of being planted.

I feel that one of the most interesting things about Binturongs is their smell. They smell like buttered popcorn. Their scent is produced by glands under the tail, and is left behind on the things that they climb over. The purpose of this scent is to mark territory, which can either help in finding mates, or act as an alert to trespassers. Another interesting fact is that the Binturong is one of only a few mammal species capable of delayed implantation. This means that they can breed year round, but time the birth of their young to favorable conditions. They have a gestation period of 91 days, and usually have litters of 2-3cubs. January through March are the peak months for giving birth.


Thanks again to Jon for the suggestion!