Paradoxurus aureus


Paradoxurus aureus, the golden palm civet, also called golden paradoxurus and golden wet-zone palm civet is a viverrid species native to Sri Lanka. It was first described by Frédéric Cuvier in 1822.

Taxonomy

The scientific name Paradoxurus aureus was proposed by Frédéric Cuvier in 1822. It used to be considered a synonym of the golden palm civet P. zeylonensis.
It was proposed to be reclassified as a distinct species by Colin Groves in 2009 based on coat colour and skull measurements of zoological specimens.
Genetic analysis indicates that specimens of P. montanus, P. aureus and P. stenocephalus share the same haplotype. Because of their low genetic difference, they should neither be considered distinct species nor subspecies, but junior synonyms of the golden palm civet P. zeylonensis.

Characteristics

The head and body length of the golden palm civet is 55 cm, and its tail measures 40–50 cm.
Uniform reddish gold to golden brown upperparts. Adults are red-gold to golden brown, with no special markings. The underside is paler gold. It has moderately soft fur, which can be glossy and densely covered throughout the body and tail. Tail tip can be white or pale brown. As other viverrids, ears are prominent, rounded and edges with hairless. Eyes are larger due to nocturnal habit, and are with vertical pupils.

Habitat

It is found in forest, the foothills and the areas in between and possibly the cloud forest in the Central Highlands, Namunukula, and the Knuckles Mountain Range. Paradoxurus aureus was formerly considered synonymous with Paradoxurus zeylonensis, but is now considered a distinct species.