Photo credit: Mohamed & Wilting- SWD, SFD
The Otter Civet, Cynogale bennettii, is listed as ‘ENDANGERED’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. As its name suggests, the Otter Civet is a semi-aquatic species with several adaptations to life in water, including dense hair, valve-like nostrils and webbed feet. It is known from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, and allegedly also northern Vietnam and southern Yunnan, China.
Owing to habitat destruction and pollution, the Otter Civet population is estimated to have undergone a 50% decline over the last 15 years. Clear-cut logging is one of the major factors contributing to the decline in suitable habitat, while the conversion of peat swamp forests to oil palm plantations is another major threat.
Conservation of this rare species primarily requires protection of forest and riverine habitat, and policing against illegal harvesting of timber. In addition, further research needs to be carried out to assess its distribution and monitor its population over time. Fortunately, the Otter Civet does already occur in several protected areas throughout its range.
Geographic Range of the Otter Civet
Credit: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™
To learn more about the Otter Civet, click here. Or visit the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ by clicking their logo below.
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