Asian Palm Civet:
In a bizarre incident, Kerala High Court’s Chamber 1 proceedings got disrupted recently due to a foul stench caused by Asian Palm Civet.
- The Asian Palm Civet, also known as the Toddy Cat or Common Palm Civet, is a small, nocturnal mammal that is found throughout South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
- It is a member of the Viverridae family, which also includes other civet and mongoose species.
- Scientific Name: Paradoxurus hermaphroditus
- It has a long, slender body, short legs, and a pointed snout.
- It weighs between 2 to 5 kg (4.4 to 11 lbs) and measures around 53 to 71 cm (21 to 28 inches) in length, including the tail.
- Its fur is brownish-gray with black spots, and it has a white mask-like marking around its eyes.
- It is a nocturnal animal and feeds on a variety of prey, including insects, small mammals, and fruits.
- One of the most distinctive features of Asian palm civets is their ability to digest coffee beans, which makes them an important part of the coffee production process in some countries.
- They are also known for their strong sense of smell and excellent climbing skills, allowing them to easily climb trees and forage for food.
- Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
