Otter Civet

(Cynogale bennettii)

Sumatran Island Montane and Lowland Forests

STATISTICS

Length up to

88 cm

Weight up to

5 kgs

Lifespan

5 years

Secretive - Nocturnal - Skilled Swimmer and Climber

This semi-aquatic civet resides in swampy wetlands and the borders of rivers and streams. It has blackish fur interspersed with grey hairs and extremely long whiskers and is well-adapted to its watery environment with its long snout, wide mouth, webbed feet, and long claws. Its ears and nose can be closed with flaps when in the water.

The Otter Civet is a secretive, nocturnal species that gets most of its food from the water, impacting and eating populations including fish, crabs, and mollusks. While it is never too far from water, this species can also climb trees to feed on birds and fruit. The Otter Civet is believed to have two offspring per season, but little is known about its breeding habits.

BIODIVERSITY BENEFIT

Population Control

THREATS

Habitat Loss

Due to logging and palm oil plantations.

Pollution of Waterways

Due to logging and mining.