New civet species in Borneo?

[Ken Kinman]

Dear All,
      It was pointed out to me that the photograph of this "new" civet was taken in 2003 (well before the tsunami).  But I still think that a smuggled Paradoxurus zeylonensis is a possibility (whether it was for food, pet, or rat- catcher).  Interesting this civet turned up during the SARS scare of 2003, when Paradoxurus as a food source was implicated as a possible source in its spread to people.

      Anyway, the Wikipedia says that it has been suggested that this new civet could actually be the rare Hemigalus (Diplogale) hosei of Borneo.  I really doubt it.  The coloration of Hose's Palm Civet is usually distinctly dark above and pale below (you could call it bicolored).  The tail is usually quite dark.  But the main reason I doubt it is the tail length (about as long as head and body) and muscularity in the "new" civet.  Hemigalus hosei would have a shorter, less muscular tail (and darker in color) as would be expected in a ground dweller.  I still believe Paradoxurus is a better hypothesis, whether it is a new species or not (see the two links below and judged for yourself).
     -----Cheers,
               Ken Kinman

P.S.  Below are links to (1) the Wikipedia entry on the "new" civet (including picture), and (2) a picture of Hemigalus (Diplogale) hosei in Borneo.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat-fox

http://www.biologie.uni-ulm.de/bio3/kwells/Diplogale%20hosei%20Fig18.jpg