Arctogalidia trivirgata (Gray, 1832)

Common and Scientific Names

The small-toothed palm civet, scientifically named Arctogalidia trivirgata, is also commonly called the three-striped palm civet.

Native Habitat Range

It is a viverrid native to dense forests across Southeast Asia and the easternmost part of South Asia, specifically Northeast India.

Geographic Distribution

Its range extends from the Indian state of Assam through Indochina, the Malay Peninsula, and Singapore, and also includes Sumatra, Bangka, Java, Borneo, and many small nearby Indonesian islands.

Taxonomic History

John Edward Gray published the first formal scientific description of this species in 1832, based on a zoological specimen from the Maluku Islands held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie in Leiden, Netherlands.

Genus Classification

This species is the only member of the monotypic genus Arctogalidia.

Genus Name Etymology

The genus name Arctogalidia translates to 'bear-weasel', derived from the ancient Greek roots arkto- meaning 'bear' and galidia meaning 'little weasel'.

Specific Epithet Etymology

The specific epithet trivirgata means 'three-striped' in Latin.

Body Size

By the standards of its family, the small-toothed palm civet is mid-sized.

Body Measurements

It typically weighs 2.4 kg (5.3 lb), with a body length of 53 cm (21 in) plus a 58 cm (23 in) tail.

Fur and Base Coloration

It has short fur that is generally blackish grey, tawny, or buff; the head is a darker greyish tawny.

Distinctive Body Markings

It has black paws and three black longitudinal stripes running along its back.

Facial Markings

Its muzzle is brown, with a white streak that stretches from the nose up to the forehead.

Scent Gland Characteristics

Only females possess a perineal scent gland, which is located near the vulva.

Diet

The small-toothed palm civet is an omnivore with a varied diet, which generally includes insects, small mammals, nesting birds, fruits, frogs, and lizards.

Behavioral Traits

Like other palm civets, this species is solitary, arboreal, and nocturnal.

Reproductive Cycle Basics

Its gestation period lasts 45 days, and the average litter size is 3.

Offspring Birth Details

Offspring are born in dens built in trees.

Offspring Development Milestones

Young civets open their eyes at 11 days old and are weaned at two months of age.

Breeding Frequency

This species can produce two litters per year, and has no fixed mating season.

Lifespan

It can live up to 11 years.

Primary Threats

Like many forest-dwelling animals native to Southeast Asia, the small-toothed palm civet is primarily threatened by deforestation.