Otter Civet (Cynogale bennettii)

Family: VIVERRIDAE

Measurements: HB 575-680, T 120-205, HF 102-110 (Peninsular Malaysian and Thai specimens).

Identification: Entirely dark brown, with faint grey grizzling and pale underfur; lips prominent, broad and white, with very long whiskers; a faint pale spot above each eye. Ears small. Feet with partial webbing between the digits.

Similar species: Hose's Civet, Hemigalus hosei, has a long tail, larger ears and white underparts; otters have longer, tapering tails, a pale chin and throat, no white on the muzzle or above the eyes; the Flat-headed Cat, Felis planiceps, is paler with white on the chin and chest, and a short, slender muzzle.

Ecology and Habitat: Little known. Terrestrial and aquatic. Diet includes aquatic animals. Occurs in tall and secondary forests.

Distribution: C.b.bennettii: Recorded from scattered localities throughout most of the area including the Kelabit uplands, S. Baram, upper S. Rajang and Mukah in Sarawak.