Asian Palm Civet

The Asian palm civet is found throughout much of Asia and (despite their cat-like appearance) are not felines at all but are in fact more closely related to other small carnivores – including weasels and mongooses. Unlike other civet species, the tail of the Asian palm civet does not have rings, but the face of this species is banded like that of a raccoon. The Asian palm civet is easily recognisable by its dark, coarse hair and large eyes.

Coffee seeds make their way (in whole) through the digestive path of the civet, then are collected by people to be used in coffee. This is no ordinary coffee, this coffee is in high-demand for its unique flavour, and is very expensive. Civet coffee is also known as Kopi Luwak, unfortunately Asian palm civets are now farmed for the production of civet coffee.

Asian palm civets will eat a wide range of food from insects and small mammals to fruits such as mango, and are known as ‘toddy cats’ because they enjoy feeding on the sweet fermented nectar of palms.