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What is a Civet?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A civet is a mammal in the family Viverridae. The tropical animals are found in Asia, Africa, and parts of the Mediterranean, and they have long been prized by humans as a source of a very distinct musk, also known as civet. Civet musk is used in perfume blends to create a rich, earthy odor, and although it can be overwhelming on its own, the musk can be appealing when blended. Civets have also been used as a source of food and furs, although these practices are less common than they once were.

At a casual glance, a civet could be mistaken for an arboreal otter, or a strange sort of cat. The animals have elongated, slender bodies, tapering faces, and long tails which are often fluffy. They are omnivorous, feeding on an assortment of beetles, insects, and fruits in their natural environment. Most civets are also nocturnal, preferring to be active at night. As a result, they have highly refined hearing, smell, and vision to assist them in night hunting.

Civet musk is used in some perfumes.
Civet musk is used in some perfumes.

There are over 20 species of animal which are classified as civets, including genets and civet cats like the palm civet. Linsangs and binturongs are also considered to be civets. The animals are closely related to cats, although the two animal families are different. Like cats, civets will adapt to a wide range of territories, although they prefer to live in the canopies of forested regions. The animals are most widely found in jungles, which provide ample sources of food and cover for them.

Civets appear to be able to breed year round, and they bear young in small litters. In some regions, they can prove to be a nuisance, since they enjoy nesting in thatched roofs. They have short, strong legs which are well adapted to hunting and sometimes fishing as well, with nonretractable claws to assist in climbing.

Because civets tend to favor well forested regions, some civet species are considered threatened or endangered due to habitat depletion. Many tropical and subtropical forests around the world are heavily managed for their valuable timber and plant materials. As a result, civets and other creatures are driven deeper into the forest, making civet sightings much more rare. Since civets are naturally shy, they are usually tracked with the aid of hidden cameras, and it can be difficult to get an accurate count of civets in a region. This makes it difficult to determine how threatened many civet species are.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a civet?

A civet is a small to medium-sized mammal belonging to the family Viverridae. They are native to tropical Asia and Africa and are known for their distinctive musky scent, which is produced by their perineal glands. Civets have a varied diet, including fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. They play a significant role in seed dispersal due to their frugivorous habits.

How many species of civets are there?

There are about 20 species of civets, each with unique characteristics and habitats. The most well-known species is the African civet (Civettictis civetta), which is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa. Other species include the Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) and the small Indian civet (Viverricula indica).

Are civets related to cats?

While civets may resemble cats in some aspects of their appearance and behavior, they are not closely related. Civets are part of the family Viverridae, which is separate from the Felidae family that includes cats. However, they are both part of the order Carnivora, which is why they share some similarities.

What is the role of civets in the coffee industry?

Civets are known for their role in producing Kopi Luwak, one of the world's most expensive coffees. The Asian palm civet consumes coffee cherries and excretes the beans, which are then collected, cleaned, and roasted. The digestive process is believed to impart a unique flavor to the coffee, although this practice has raised ethical and conservation concerns.

Are civets endangered?

The conservation status of civets varies by species. Some, like the Malabar large-spotted civet, are critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), other species have stable populations but are still threatened by deforestation and the wildlife trade. Conservation efforts are crucial for their survival.

What is the natural habitat of a civet?

Civets are adaptable creatures found in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, mountains, and even near human settlements. They prefer dense vegetation for cover and are often arboreal, spending much of their time in trees. Their habitat preferences vary among species, with some being more terrestrial and others more arboreal.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

KaBoom

@sunnySkys - It is sad when species become extinct because of our own carelessness. I hope this won't happen to civets.

Anyway, I read an article about something a bit bizarre recently: civet coffee. There is a coffee that sells for an exorbitant price ($100 a cup) that civets help make.

There is a certain type of coffee cherry that civets like to eat. People then harvest the partially digested cherries from civet excrement and make coffee out of it.

I think this sounds a bit gross, but supposedly civet coffee is very tasty.

sunnySkys

I've never heard of civets before, and I doubt I'll ever see one since I don't live in an area of the world where civets live. However, I was able to watch a video of a very cute baby civet online! If you want to to watch a video of a civet, YouTube is a good place to start.

After seeing the adorable civet baby, I'm sad this species might be harmed by our forest "management" practices in certain areas of the world.

I really think it's important to try to preserve as many species as possible. More study should definitely be done to find out about the civet population.

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    • Civet musk is used in some perfumes.
      By: Kayros Studio
      Civet musk is used in some perfumes.