Hose's palm civet

Hose's palm civet, also known as Hose's civet, is a unique species endemic to the island of Borneo. It is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, primarily due to habitat destruction that has led to a decline in its population. Named after the zoologist Charles Hose, it is the sole member of the genus Diplogale.

Visually, Hose's civet is distinguished by its dark brown to blackish-brown fur on its back contrasted with white fur on its belly. Its face and feet bear distinctive markings that make identification easier. The civet has a specific body size and weight and possesses a total of 40 teeth.

Hose's civet can be found in Sarawak and Sabah, regions of Malaysian Borneo, as well as in Brunei. They typically inhabit montane forests and mature mixed dipterocarp forests. Although sightings are rare, they appear to favor highly humid areas near mossy forests, boulders, and streams. These civets are nocturnal and crepuscular, and they are likely terrestrial, making their dens in rock crevices or among tree roots.

Little is known about the diet of Hose's civet, but it is believed to include small fish, shrimp, crabs, frogs, and insects. Their primary threat is habitat loss due to deforestation and degradation. Concerns also exist about their ability to adapt to logging activities and hunting pressures. Conservation efforts are complicated by the lack of detailed information on their population size, movement patterns, and ecological requirements. More research is urgently needed to effectively protect this species.

While Hose's civet shares some characteristics with the banded palm civet and the otter civet, it has a much more limited range and specific habitat preferences. This elusive animal faces significant conservation challenges due to ongoing habitat loss and the scarcity of protected areas within its range.