The Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), also known as the ‘toddy cat,’ is found throughout Sri Lanka, primarily inhabiting jungle habitats, but also frequently observed in urban areas, including homes and gardens in Colombo. These civets are recognisable by their long, stocky bodies covered in shaggy, mottled black and grey fur, along with distinctive white markings on their forehead and beneath each eye. 

As omnivores, Asian palm civets feed on a variety of fruits such as berries, mangoes, rambutans, and even coffee beans, along with small mammals and insects. They play a crucial role in ecosystems by aiding in seed dispersal.  

Asian palm civets rely heavily on scent for communication with both conspecifics and heterospecifics. They mark their territory using scent from their anal glands and can release a strong, unpleasant secretion as a chemical defense when threatened or disturbed.