By Kristen Schweighoefer
Geographic Range
Paradoxurus zeylonensis is found in south and southeast Asia, specifically in Sri Lanka and Ceylon. (Ellerman 1966, Macdonald 1985, Parker 1990)
Biogeographic Regions:
palearctic 
(native ).
Habitat
Paradoxurus zeylonensis is mainly arboreal, keeping mostly to large tree branches. They have been observed to sleep in the roof of bungalows adjacent to the jungle and in hollow tree branches. (Phillips 1935)
Reproduction
Very little is known about the reproduction of P. zeylonensis. Young have been found in October and November, and so it is thought that reproduction occurs in the latter months of the year. It is also thought that females may have more than one litter per year. Two or three young are produced in each litter. The gestation period and life span of this species are unknown, as are the ages of weaning and sexual maturity. (Anderson 1984, Parker 1990, Phillips 1935)
Key reproductive features:
gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual .
Behavior
As Vaughan (1986) succinctly states: "Probably no family of carnivores is so poorly known as the viverrids, and P. zeylonensis is no exception. However, it is known that this species is mainly arboreal, moreso than its relative, the toddy-cat. The golden palm civet is nocturnal as well as solitary, except during the breeding period and while young are being raised. The young of these animals are easily tamed (although no accounts of them as common pets were found). (Phillips 1935)
Key behaviors:
motile .
Food Habits
The golden palm civet is mainly frugivorous, with preferences for mango, coffee, melon, pineapple and bananas. This species has also been observed to eat small mammals, birds, snakes, lizards, frogs, moths, and other insects when it is able to catch them. (Anderson 1984, Parker 1990, Phillips 1935)
Economic Importance for Humans: Negative
The golden palm civet's habit of roosting in the roof of bungalows located near the edge of the jungle may be annoying to humans, but no damage by these creatures was reported. The frugivorous habits of P. zeylonensis may be destructive if these animals live near land where fruits eaten by this species are being raised as crops (bananas, mangos, etc). However, this was not mentioned to be a large problem in any of the literature found on this species. (Phillips 1935)
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
As the young are easily tamed, although no detailed information was given on any tamed animals. (Phillips 1935)
Other Comments
This species needs to be studied in the wild, as well as in captivity, so that more information can be gathered about its life span, behavior, and reproductive habits. Also, because this species is very local in its distribution, a careful eye should be kept on its numbers.
For More Information
Find Paradoxurus zeylonensis information at
Contributors
Kristen Schweighoefer (author), University of Michigan.
