What is a bearcat?

Bearcats are not actually bears, nor are they cats, despite their name. They are small, arboreal mammals belonging to the family Viverridae, which also includes civets and genets. There are two species:

• Asian palm civet ( Paradoxurus hermaphroditus): This is the more commonly known species and often simply called "bearcat." They're found across a wide range in South and Southeast Asia.

• African palm civet (Nandinia binotata): This species is less well-known and geographically restricted to parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It's sometimes also called a "two-spotted palm civet."

Here's some information that applies generally to both species, with slight variations:

• Appearance: They have a stocky build, relatively short legs, and a long, bushy tail. Their fur is typically grizzled grey or brown, helping them blend into their environment. They have a pointed face and often a masked appearance. Their size varies, but generally they are smaller than domestic cats.

• Habitat: They are primarily arboreal, spending most of their time in trees. They inhabit forests, but also adapt to more human-altered landscapes including plantations and gardens.

• Diet: They are omnivorous, with a diet that includes fruits, insects, birds' eggs, small vertebrates, and other small animals.

• Behavior: They are generally nocturnal and solitary animals, except during mating season. They are agile climbers and use their strong claws and prehensile tails to navigate trees.

• Conservation Status: The Asian palm civet is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but its populations face threats from habitat loss and hunting. The African palm civet's status is also Least Concern, but localized threats exist.

• Unique Feature: The name "bearcat" likely comes from a combination of their bear-like build and cat-like features like their sharp claws. However, they're more closely related to civets.

It's important to note that while they are sometimes kept as pets, this isn't always ethical or legal, and they require specialized care. Their natural habitat is where they thrive best.