Otter civet

The otter civet is a captivating, semi-aquatic creature native to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. Regrettably, it is classified as Endangered due to a severe decline in its population, primarily caused by habitat loss and pollution. This distinctive animal belongs to the genus Cynogale, which contains only one species. The otter civet boasts remarkable features such as a broad mouth, webbed feet, and long whiskers. While it shares similarities with Hose's palm civet, it has a shorter tail and lacks whitish underparts.

These civets can be found in Sumatra, Borneo, and the Thai Peninsula. They thrive in lowland primary forests but can also inhabit secondary forests, bamboo thickets, and even logged areas. Although they were once thought to be confined to peat swamp forests, recent observations reveal they also venture into lowland dry forests and plantations. These nocturnal animals have a diverse diet that includes fish, crabs, mollusks, birds, and fruit. However, they are so elusive and rare that scientists have only limited knowledge about them.

The primary threats to the otter civet are the conversion of peat swamp forests into oil palm plantations, habitat destruction due to logging, and the risk of being caught in snares intended for other animals. Logging, in particular, has led to a significant reduction in their natural habitat, exacerbating the rarity of the otter civet.