Timeline Photos
ACRES 
Nov 7, 2016 
ACRES, NGOs 
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MEET OUR NATIVE WILDLIFE: COMMON PALM CIVET
10 things you ought to know about the Common Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus)
1) The species Paradoxurus hermaphroditus is native to Singapore. They are also commonly known as Toddy cat or Musang (in Malay). Why “palm” and “toddy”? Because they often feed on palm sap – the very same type of palm sap used to make a type of liquor commonly known “Toddy”.
2) Despite the species name “hermaphroditus”, P. hermaphroditus have two distinct sexes.
3) Civets are not only found in the forested areas in Singapore, but also well adapted to live in residential areas. They could be sighted in Siglap, Alexandra, Portsdown, Bukit Timah, Tanglin central catchment, Pulau Tekong and Pulau Ubin. Being arboreal, they’re commonly found on trees and roofs, often using cable wires, street lamps and trees.
4) They are nocturnal and are often seen at dusk and dawn.
5) Civets also feed on fruits and other small animals including insects, rats and snakes. Their role in ecology includes helping with seed dispersal and forest regeneration.
6) Civets aren’t cats. They are more related to mongooses. So never refer to them as “civet cats”!
7) They have anal scent glands that emit a pungent smell when threatened.
Civets are shy and easily spooked. They’re usually solitary but females are responsible for child care for about 2- 5 young.
9) Young civets take around a year to mature.
10) Say No to Kopi Luwak! Kopi Luwak is one of the most expensive coffees in the world. Coffee cherries are a part of a civet’s diet where the excreted seeds are processed to make the coffee. Unfortunately, the high demand for Kopi Luwak have resulted in civet farming where most of the farmers keep civets in small cages, being fed only with coffee cherries. But civets need more than just coffee cherries in their diet to stay healthy. Say No to Kopi Luwak!
If you see a snoozing baby civet/s during the day, it is best to leave him/her for the night and monitor for the mother to pick them up. If you see a civet in distress (trapped/injured), please call our 24-hr wildlife rescue hotline 9783 7782.
If you live in one of the above areas, with fruit trees in the vicinity – it is very likely that you may encounter civets. If you have civets living in your attic/roof space, please look for entry and exit points in your ceiling and have them safely sealed to prevent conflict situations in the long run. Without addressing the root cause of the access issue, trapping the civet (for relocation) will only result in another civet moving in – to an inviting suitable habitat.
Please remember to share with/tag your friends who may live in these areas!
Have a great week ahead everyone!
#ACRES #civet #saynotokopiluwak #toddycats #commonpalmcivet #Sgwildlife #nativewildlife #musang
Source: https://www.facebook.com/ACRESasia/photos/a.223077136522.136..
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