Wildlifeof Nepal
Masked Palm Civet
Civets, Linsangs & Mongooses
Photo: Rejoice Gassah · CC-BY
Paguma larvata
Basic stats
Diet
Omnivore: rats, birds, fruit such as figs, mangoes and bananas, leaves, molluscs and arthropods
Habitat
Forest; partly arboreal
Range
Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia
Litter size
Up to 4 young
Size
Body 50–60cm; tail 40–50cm
Weight
3–5kg
The masked palm civet, also called the gem-faced or Himalayan palm civet, has grey to ochre fur that is black on the head, shoulders and neck, and blackish brown on the tail and feet. A white blaze on the forehead and white marks above and below the eyes form a half-collar, and the lips, chin and throat are white. It has no spots or stripes (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is a nocturnal, solitary predator, occasionally active by day, and partly arboreal. It eats rats and birds as well as fruit, leaves, molluscs and arthropods, and its diet varies between seasons and sites. It is polyestrous, with two breeding seasons a year, and a female bears up to four young. Nationally Least Concern (Nepal National Red List 2011).
Quick answers
- What does the Masked Palm Civet eat?
- Omnivore: rats, birds, fruit such as figs, mangoes and bananas, leaves, molluscs and arthropods
- What habitat does the Masked Palm Civet live in?
- Forest; partly arboreal
- Where is the Masked Palm Civet found?
- Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia
- What is the litter size of the Masked Palm Civet?
- Up to 4 young
- How big is the Masked Palm Civet?
- Body 50–60cm; tail 40–50cm
- How much does the Masked Palm Civet weigh?
- 3–5kg