Thailand’s banded linsang subspecies, Prionodon linsang linsang, are intriguing small carnivorous mammals found only in southern Myanmar, southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra.

These extremely “cute” carnivores, with the nickname of a tiger civet, have long been considered viverrids (civets) but more recent research has suggested that the Asian linsangs (Prionodon) may possibly be the closest living relatives of the Felidae (cats) family and belong to a family of their own rather than the Viverridae family.

They are solitary, secretive and elusive. They are semi-arboreal and well-adapted with their long and slender bodies and short legs suited for running and jumping between tree branches. But they do spend time on the ground also. It is during this ground time that we have been fortunate enough for our cameras to glimpse them both in the Kaeng Krachan Forest complex and the Dong Phayayen – Khao Yai Forest Complex.

Just 3 sightings in a four year period though, so these intriguing animals are by no means commonly sighted. Indeed population status is poorly known, but various authors have considered this species uncommon or even rare.

The banded lingsan is listed on CITES Appendix II. In Thailand, the Wild Animals Preservation Protection Act (WAPPA) protects this species.