OWSTON'S PALM CIVET
Chrotogale owstoni
FACTS
One of the rarest civets in the world is in vietnam!
- Identified by 4 black stripes on their back
- Earthworm, among other food items such as fruits and insects
- Breeding season is between January - May
Habitat & Distribution
- Evergreen habitats, where the dry seasons are not too harsh
- In Vietnam: Owston’s Palm Civets range from far North to the Central provinces
- In the world: In the Western part of Laos along the Annamite Mountains, and very limitedly in Southern China
THREATS
Owston’s Palm Civet is categorized on the IUCN Redlist as Endangered.
THE BEAUTIFUL OWSTON'S PALM CIVET IS IN DANGER!
- Snaring remains the most significant threat to this species and is the main reason for its decline
- Demand for civet coffee, with industrial operations in Central Vietnam, may also pose a threat; at least three individuals are known to have gone through civet coffee facilities in Da Lat in 2018.
- Online illegal wildlife trade is also considered as a significant threat to the species. Two males advertised online as pets for sale in 2018, confiscated and transferred to Cuc Phuong NP. One individual was photographed in Zanhuayen, Chengdu, China (well outside the native range) in February 2018.
WHAT SVW HAS BEEN DOING TO SAVE THE OWSTON'S CIVET?
About CPCP Carnivore & Pangolins Conservation Program
in Cuc Phuong National Park
that had laid the foundation for SVW
- The only professional centre for Owston’s successful in rehabilitation, breeding and release since 1995
- 14 confiscated Owston’s civets rescued and rehabilitated
- 66 successfully bred for conservation
- Managed the entire captive population in Vietnam and internationally to minimize the risk of disease outbreak
