Paguma

Paguma is a genus of small carnivorous mammals in the family Viverridae. It is a monotypic genus, containing the single living species Paguma larvata, commonly known as the masked palm civet. The species ranges across much of Asia, from the Indian subcontinent and southern China through Southeast Asia to parts of Indonesia, occupying a range of forest, shrubland, and cultivated habitats.

Paguma larvata is a medium-sized civet with a body length of roughly 50 to 75 cm and a tail of comparable length. Fur coloration varies from gray to brown, typically with a distinctive facial mask formed by dark eye patches and lighter areas on the cheeks. The tail is long and often banded. It is an adaptable climber and forager, with strong claws for maneuvering in trees.

Ecology and behavior: It is mainly nocturnal and solitary, feeding on fruits, berries, seeds, eggs, insects, small vertebrates, and occasional carrion. It can occur in both primary forests and agricultural landscapes, including plantations and orchards, where it may raid crops. Reproduction is regional, with mating and litter sizes often around 2 to 5 young after a gestation of about two months; young are cared for by the mother until weaning.

Conservation and human interactions: The species is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to its wide distribution and relatively stable populations, though local declines occur from habitat loss and hunting. In the SARS outbreak of 2002–2003, masked palm civets were implicated as a potential intermediate host in live animal markets, but later studies indicated that bats are the primary reservoir and civet involvement is not universal.