Colour Variation in Common Palm Civet Paradoxurus Hermaphrodites in Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha, India
Sandeep Ranjan Mishra* and Harish Kumar Bisht
ABSTRACT
Common Palm Civet is recorded from Similipal Tiger Reserve based on Camera trap exercise for easy identification. Civets are nocturnal carnivores with different coat colors, stripes and wide range of geographical landscapes from hilly areas to patchy gardens and thin forests of the low land or near the human settlement areas. Civets, belonging to the Order Carnivora and Family Viverridae, are small, nocturnal mammals with distinct scent glands. This study investigates their distribution, habitat preferences, and population status across various regions, including southwestern Europe, Southern Asia, the East Indies, Africa, and Madagascar. The Common Palm Civet, a prominent species within this family, exhibits a wide distribution across central to southeastern Asia, including regions of India. The research focuses on coat color variations observed in these civets, with implications for taxonomy and ecological studies. The investigation underscores the importance of understanding civet populations for conservation efforts, particularly considering their ecological roles and significance in human health and commerce.
