
Fig 1
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Order : CARNIVORA
Family : Prionodontidae
Species : Prionodon linsang
Head-body length : up to 45 cm
Tail length : up to 42 cm
Weight : up to 800 grams
The family Prionodontidae comprises just two species
of curiously-shaped animals known as linsang; the Spotted Linsang, occurs in
parts of northern Southeast Asia, and the Banded Linsang, shown here, occurs
in the south. Their geographical ranges do not overlap.
The Banded Linsang species appears to be mainly
restricted to tall forest, either primary or secondary, but some individuals may explore
adjacent cultivated habitats. It is fully nocturnal, and is both arboreal and terrestrial
: by day it lies concealed in its nesting hole which may either be elevated
or at ground level, beneath tree roots.
Its prey includes other vertebrates, such as reptiles, small mammals
and nesting birds, and a range of invertebrates.
The species is unmistakable, with an extremely slender, lithe, elongated body,
short legs, and a long, thick tail. Its fur is strikingly patterned : thick,
irregular, dark stripes adorn its body, and 7 dark bands encircle its tail.
The Banded Linsang occurs in southern Myanmar, southern Thailand, Peninsular
Malaysia, Sumatra (including the islands of Bangka and Belitung), Java and
Borneo. There are no records from Singapore.
Fig 1 : An example from Panti Forest, Johor, Peninsular Malaysia exploring
moss-covered boulders at the edge of a lowland forest stream.
Fig 2 : An example from Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia, pauses briefly
as it runs along a fallen tree. Diurnal activity of this species is
unusual: possibly this individual was disturbed from its daytime resting
place, and it is looking backwards at the cause of the disturbance. Photo
thanks to
MYCAT ©.
Fig 3 : Close-up of the cream and black neck
markings.
References :
Francis, C.M. 2019. A Field Guide to the Mammals of South-east Asia. Second
Edition. New Holland. 416 pp.
Lekagul, B., McNeely, J., 1977. Mammals of Thailand. Association for the
Conservation of Wildlife, Thailand. 758 pp.
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