Masked Palm Civetハクビシン

Paguma larvataLC— Least Concern

The masked palm civet is a nocturnal, omnivorous carnivoran native across the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, and China, easily recognized by the distinctive white facial mask that gives it its name. It feeds mainly on fruit but also takes insects, small vertebrates, and eggs. Assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, it drew global attention in 2003 when individuals sold at a Chinese wildlife market were found carrying SARS coronavirus.

Masked Palm Civet (reference photo)
Photo: Denise Chan from Hong Kong, China / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification
Carnivora / Viverridae Source
Distribution
Native across the Himalayas, Nepal, Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, China, Taiwan, and Indonesia; whether Japan's population is native or introduced remains unresolved. Source

Did You Know?

  • When alarmed, it sprays a foul-smelling secretion from its anal gland to deter predators. Source
  • Unlike most civets, it can retract its claws in a cat-like manner. Source
  • In 2003, masked palm civets sampled at a Guangdong wildlife market were found carrying SARS coronavirus, establishing a direct link in the animal-to-human transmission chain. Source

Where to See This Species

8 facilities · 0 individuals

岩手サファリパーク (Iwatesafari Park)Iwate一関ICから約45分、若柳金成ICから約30分、国道284号経由で約25分。

岩手サファリパークのWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

桐生が岡動物園 (Kiryuugaoka Doubutsuen)Gunma自動車の場合、カーナビ検索は「桐生が岡動物園」ではなく「桐生が岡遊園地」で設定すると駐車場に到着できる（動物園名で検索すると誤った経路になる場合がある）。

桐生が岡動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

須坂市動物園 (Suzakashi Doubutsuen)Nagano上信越自動車道「須坂長野東IC」から国道403号経由、幸高町交差点右折→上八町交差点左折→臥竜橋を渡り左折で南口へ。

須坂市動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

Tennoji ZooOsakaOpened in 1915

天王寺動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

東京都恩賜上野動物園 (Toukyoutoonshiueno Doubutsuen)TokyoOpened in 1882

東京都恩賜上野動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

飯田市立動物園 (Iida Shiritsu Doubutsuen)Nagano

飯田市立動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical GardensAichiOpened in 1937

名古屋市東山動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

和歌山城公園動物園 (Wakayamajou Kouen Doubutsuen)Wakayama

和歌山城公園動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

IUCNではLCに分類されています。人の生活圏との関係を含め、地域ごとの生態を理解する必要があります。

Habitat

東南アジアから東アジアの森林、農地周辺、都市近郊などに生息します。

Threats

  • 生息地の変化
  • 人との軋轢

Conservation & Breeding Efforts

  • 生息状況の調査
  • 夜行性哺乳類の生態を伝える展示

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org

Support Conservation

A visit is a small, positive way to support the daily lives of the animals you care about.

Visit
A visit itself helps support the facility.
Animal Supporter Programs & Giving
Find ways to support the facility through its official website.
Furusato Nozei
Municipally run facilities may share official guidance for this Japanese hometown-tax program.

FAQ

What does a masked palm civet eat?
It is omnivorous, feeding mainly on fruit such as figs, persimmons, and bananas, but also eating insects, small vertebrates, and bird eggs. Source
Is the masked palm civet native to Japan?
This is unresolved — researchers have not confirmed whether Japan's masked palm civet population is native or was introduced from elsewhere in Asia. Source
Why is the masked palm civet linked to SARS?
In 2003, individuals sold at a live-animal market in Guangdong, China, were found carrying SARS coronavirus, providing early evidence of the virus's animal origin. Source

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org