Why in news?
Recent In Kerala, the High Court proceedings were disrupted due to a foul stench caused by an Asian Palm Civet that apparently got into the court premises.  

About Asian Palm Civet

• The Asian palm civet (scientific name: Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), also known as the common palm civet, toddy cat, or musang, is a small mammal native to South and Southeast Asia.
• It belongs to the viverrid family. It has a long, stocky body covered with coarse, shaggy greyish hair, distinct black markings, and a long tail that is black-tipped but not ringed.
• Its size is about 53 cm in body length with a 48 cm tail, and it weighs between 2 to 5 kg.
• The species has anal scent glands that produce a strong secretion used for defense and communication.
• This civet is widely distributed across many countries in south asia.
• Interesting facts include that the civet is hunted for illegal wildlife trade, is IUCN-listed as Least Concern, and its defecation habit of passing coffee seeds intact is the basis for the rare and expensive "civet coffee" (kopi luwak).

Overall, the Asian palm civet is an adaptable omnivore with ecological importance in its habitat, facing threats mainly from habitat loss and poaching

It is classified as ‘Least Concern’ under the IUCN Red List

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