News Item in the Sunday Observer, 17 March 2025
In our forests there’s a very special animal that you might not know about—the Golden Palm Civet paradoxurus zeylonensis. It is also known as the pani uguduwa, sapumal kalawaddha or ranhothambuwa, hotambuwa in Sinhalese. This little creature is unique because it’s found only on our beautiful island.
What does a Golden Palm Civet look like?
The Golden Palm Civet is a small, cute, nocturnal animal, which means it’s mostly active at night and comes out of hiding to explore and search for food. It has a sleek, shiny coat that is golden-brown with some black markings.
The civet has a long, bushy tail that helps it balance while climbing trees. Its face looks a bit like a cat, with big, bright eyes that help it see well in the dark.
Where does the golden palm civet live?
Golden Palm Civets live in the forests of Sri Lanka, especially in areas with lots of trees, like rainforests and thick woodlands.
They spend most of their time high up in the trees, moving through the branches and looking for fruits, small insects, and other tasty snacks to eat.
They might be hard to spot, because they blend so well with their environment and are rarely seen at daytime.
You can find the golden palm civet living in areas like Yala, Wilpattu, Sinharaja, Sigiriya, Udawalawe and Dickoya.
What does the Golden Palm Civet eat?
Golden Palm Civets are omnivores, which mean they eat both plants and animals. They enjoy fruits like berries, as well as small animals, birds, and insects. They have a keen sense of smell, which helps them find food even in the dark.
Why is the Golden Palm Civet special?
The Golden Palm Civet is very important because it’s part of our unique wildlife. Sadly, these animals are becoming rarer because their natural habitats (forests) are being destroyed. If we don’t do our part to part to protect them they will be lost to us forever. Deforestation, or cutting down trees, makes it harder for these civets to find food and safe places to live. This is why it’s important to protect forests and the animals that live there.
How can we help?
We can all do our part to help animals like the Golden Palm Civet.
How? Here are a few things to remember:
1. Protect forests: Supporting efforts to save forests helps keep animals safe.
2. Spread Awareness: Share what you’ve learned about the Golden Palm Civet with your friends and family.
3. Respect Nature: Always be kind to animals and their homes.
Fun fact
Did you know that the Golden Palm Civet has a special gland that makes it smell a little like musk? It’s a scent that helps it communicate with other civets!
Golden Palm Civet, it’s a tiny, yet mighty, part of the island’s beautiful wildlife, and we should do everything we can to protect it for generations to come.
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