Description
The Javan small-toothed palm civet (Arctogalidia trivirgata trilineata) is a subspecies of the small-toothed palm civet (Arctogalidia trivirgata). It inhabits the rainforests of western Java. This medium-sized carnivore (weighing 2-2.5 kg) primarily hunts small vertebrates but also feeds on insects and fruit. It remains a little-known species.
It is known to be a nocturnal and solitary animal. For several decades, it was not observed at all in Java, leading to speculation about its possible extinction. Only between 2008 and 2010 was it spotted and photographed in Gunung Halimun National Park, always on the same fig tree. A shocking discovery for biologists was the sale of this civet at markets and in online trade. These animals were likely intended to become exotic pets or be used by kopi luwak coffee producers—one of the most expensive coffees in the world. Its uniqueness comes from the production process: coffee cherries are eaten and then excreted by civets…
Until now, Asian palm civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) were primarily used for this purpose. However, rising prices and demand have encouraged producers to capture other civet species. This coffee trade has become a serious threat to the survival of many species in the Viverridae family.
What Are We Doing?
We successfully confiscated six Javan small-toothed palm civets from illegal traders, and they were transferred to a breeding facility at the Prigenark Conservation Center in Java. The Wrocław Zoo financed the construction of enclosures for the civets. A major success came in 2020, with the birth of the first Javan small-toothed palm civet in captivity. Observing these animals in captivity will provide essential knowledge for their conservation in the wild, and captive-bred individuals may be reintroduced into their natural habitat.
We want to provide financial support for the breeding program at Prigenark Conservation Center. In addition to food, we need equipment for observation and research into the biology of these animals.
If you want to help study and save the Javan small-toothed palm civet, you can donate to the foundation’s account:
PKO Bank Polski SA 1 o/Wrocław
account number: 89 1020 5226 0000 6102 0547 2040
payment reference: CIVETS
We have also launched a fundraising campaign to support the upkeep of these animals and help finance further confiscations during the pandemic – We have also launched a fundraising campaign to support the upkeep of these animals and help finance further confiscations during the pandemic –link to the fundraiser