Masked palm civet

This elusive subspecies of civet is larger than most civets found within south-east Asia. They are brown-to-black in colour with a white mask and light tipped tail. They live a very secretive life, so there is very little known about this subspecies. Through some observations it can be deduced that they are known to be nocturnal and a formidable opportunistic predator. They have been known to eat a variety of fruit, insects, palm sap and even hunt for small mammals and reptiles. Their fruit consumption means this species plays an important ecological role within the ecosystem, to help disperse seeds through their faeces.

Although they are classed as 'Least Concern' on the IUCN Red List their population is threatened from poaching and being sold within the pet trade to exploit and produce coffee known as 'Kopi Luwak'. At DMR we support The Civet Project who engages local farmers in Vietnam and raises awareness among consumers about the cruel practices associated with Kopi Luwak and advocate for policy change.