Owston's Banded Palm Civet

Owston's palm civet is a captivating creature indigenous to Vietnam, Laos, and southern China. Unfortunately, it is classified as Endangered by the IUCN due to over-exploitation, habitat destruction, and degradation, which have significantly reduced its population.

Named after wildlife collector Alan Owston, this medium-sized civet is distinguished by its unique tawny buff-grey body and distinctive markings. Typically, they inhabit forests and wooded lowland river basins within their geographical range.

Although little is known about their behavior in the wild, it is believed that Owston's palm civets primarily feed on earthworms and other invertebrates. They likely mate in late January, with a gestation period of about three months, resulting in the birth of 1-3 offspring.

Conservation efforts are currently in progress to protect this species. The Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Program, in collaboration with institutions like Newquay Zoo, is actively engaged in a conservation and breeding program aimed at ensuring the survival of Owston's palm civet.