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What Is an African Civet?

Deborah Walker
Deborah Walker

Civettictis civetta, or African civet, is a primarily nocturnal, omnivorous mammal in the Viverridae family. African civets inhabit southern and central Africa, living mainly near permanent bodies of water and among the tall grass and thickets of forests and savannahs. They are solitary creatures, except during mating. Civets communicate through various calls, scent marking, and leaving dung piles. Poaching, deforestation, and use in traditional medicine and in the perfume industry have drastically reduced the civet population.

The six subspecies of African civet, which are closely related to the mongoose, spend the day sleeping in the tall, thick grass of southern and central African forest and savannah regions. They are most active just before sunset until midnight and may be seen in open areas during this time. Small mammals, eggs, carrion, millipedes, snakes, and plants make up most of the African civet's diet.

Deforestation has drastically reduced the African civit population.
Deforestation has drastically reduced the African civit population.

The fully grown African civet is long and stocky, between 41-70 inches (104-177.8 centimeters) long, including its 17-24 inch (43-61 centimeter) tail, and weighs 26-33 pounds (12-15 kilograms). It wears a raccoon-like mask, which extends across its small, black eyes and down a pointy muzzle. The body is covered with a double-layered coat of brown-spotted, silver, or cream fur and two black stripes around the neck. A short mane extends down the back along the spine to the tail. The mane becomes erect when the animal is startled, making the African civet appear larger than it actually is.

African civets living in West Africa breed year round.
African civets living in West Africa breed year round.

African civets living in West Africa breed year round. Those in central and southern Africa breed during the warm season, or from March to January, when insect populations increase. Male and female civets reach sexual maturity at about seven months. Most females have two or three litters every year and may produce up to four pups in each litter. Female civets with pups make their nests in underground holes left by other animals.

Following a gestational period of 60-70 days, African civet pups are born with soft, dark fur and light markings. They can crawl at birth, and by five days old are able to walk. Mothers nurse the pups for about six weeks. They emerge from the nest 18 days after birth. Pups begin catching small prey by eight weeks, although the mother brings them the bulk of their solid food until they perfect their hunting abilities.

Territory is marked by excreting a musky scent through the perineal gland and onto rocks or other objects. To attract a mate, African civets leave piles of dung scented with secretions from the anal gland. These animals may vocalize to communicate with other civets or call for a mate. The most common vocalization is a "ha, ha, ha" sound, although they are capable of growling, screaming, and coughing-spitting.

African civet fur is used in some traditional African folk medicine. Poachers frequently hunt civet to provide fur to this market. Deforestation of civet habitat and poaching have dramatically decreased the population of these animals in the wild, however. In the past, particularly before the advent of synthetic musk scent, the African civet's perineal glands were expressed for use in some perfume formulations; this practice still occurs today, although much less frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an African Civet and where can it be found?

The African Civet is a nocturnal mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It's known for its distinctive black and white patterning and musky scent, which is produced by its perineal glands. Civets inhabit a variety of environments, including forests, savannas, and bushlands. They are solitary creatures, often found near water sources.

What does the African Civet eat?

African Civets are omnivorous and have a diverse diet that includes small vertebrates, insects, eggs, and fruit. Their strong legs and sharp claws make them adept at both hunting and foraging. This varied diet helps them to thrive in many different habitats and contributes to their status as a species of least concern, according to the IUCN Red List.

How does the African Civet contribute to the perfume industry?

Historically, the African Civet has been prized for its musk, which is secreted by its perineal glands. This musk, once collected, is called civetone and has been used as a stabilizing agent in perfumes. However, due to ethical concerns and advances in synthetic alternatives, the use of natural civetone has significantly declined.

What are the distinctive features of the African Civet?

The African Civet is easily recognizable by its coarse fur patterned with a mosaic of black and white spots and stripes. It has a small head, a long body, and a bushy tail. Its legs are short but powerful, and it has partially webbed toes that aid in swimming, making it a versatile animal in its habitat.

How does the African Civet reproduce and raise its young?

African Civets are polygamous and breed throughout the year. After a gestation period of about 60-70 days, the female gives birth to one to four young. The offspring are raised in a den and are weaned at around two months old. They reach sexual maturity at about one to two years of age.

Are African Civets endangered?

African Civets are currently listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List. They have a wide distribution and a large population size. However, they face threats from habitat loss and hunting for their meat and musk. Conservation efforts are important to monitor and maintain their population levels.

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    • Deforestation has drastically reduced the African civit population.
      By: yotrakbutda
      Deforestation has drastically reduced the African civit population.
    • African civets living in West Africa breed year round.
      By: Ruslan Olinchuk
      African civets living in West Africa breed year round.