Exhibition "In the Forests of Borneo"
Otter civet
Cynogale bennettii Gray, 1837, observed in Malaysia by Royle Safaris, CC 4.0
The otter civet, or mampalon, is a small semi-aquatic carnivore found in Indochina and the Southeast Asian archipelago, including Borneo, Sumatra, and the Malay Peninsula. It measures about 70–88 cm and has an elongated, streamlined body with short, partially webbed legs, and nostrils and ears equipped with valves that close during immersion—evolutionary adaptations ideal for life in aquatic environments. Its coat is dark brown with grayish highlights, and its muzzle is covered with long vibrissae, allowing it to locate prey easily even in murky waters.
It inhabits flooded areas and regions near rivers and streams within rainforests, feeding on fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and small invertebrates. Due to habitat loss and pollution, the species has experienced a severe decline and is now considered endangered (IUCN Red List).