Civet

Written by Syuhada Sapno
Photo by Syuhada Sapno

Common palm civet, Musang pandan

Paradoxurus hermaphroditus

Has three dark stripes on its back and a dark mask across the eyes and nose. It usually nests in hollow trees. Mainly feeds on fruits such as mangoes, but also feeds on other invertebrates such as worms and insects

Local name: Musang jebat, musang pandan, musang pulut

Activity pattern: Nocturnal

Ecological function: Seed disperser, prey-predator relationship

Level in food chain: Primary and secondary consumer

Feeding behaviour: Omnivore

Food items: Fruits, worms, insects

Microhabitat: Occurs in fruit orchards, near housing areas and sometimes found inhabiting roof spaces