Paradoxurus hermaphroditus

Asian palm civets are mainly solitary and nocturnal, spending the daytime resting in tree hollows, dense vegetation, or other sheltered locations. They are excellent climbers and use scent markings from specialized glands to communicate and establish territories, while foraging on fruits, insects, small animals, and plant materials at night.

Asian palm civets can breed throughout the year, although breeding activity may increase during periods of greater food availability. Females usually give birth to two to five young after a gestation period of approximately two months, raising the offspring in protected dens until they become independent.

Asian palm civets have elongated bodies, short legs, pointed faces, rounded ears, and long tails that may be nearly as long as their bodies. Their fur varies from grayish-brown to black, often with facial markings, stripes, and spots, while their sharp claws and flexible bodies make them well adapted for climbing.

The Asian palm civet was scientifically described by Johann Karl Wilhelm Illiger in 1815. It has had a long relationship with humans across Asia, sometimes being considered a pest in agricultural areas but also becoming well known due to its historical association with civet coffee production.

The Asian palm civet is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and ability to adapt to human-modified environments. However, some local populations face threats from habitat loss, hunting, wildlife trade, and exploitation in the civet coffee industry.