Often mistaken for felines due to their cat-like bodies, civets are a family of mammals native to the tropical forests and savannas of Asia and Africa. They are not cats, but members of the Viverridae family, which also includes genets and binturongs. They are considered a primitive family of carnivores, having evolved more slowly than other cat-like mammals.
Defining Physical and Behavioral Characteristics
Civets are characterized by their long, slender bodies, short legs, and pointed snouts. Their coats are often patterned with spots or stripes, and many species have tails with contrasting rings. Body length ranges from about 40 to 85 cm (16 to 34 inches), with weights varying between 1.5 and 11 kg (3.3 to 24 pounds).
Most civet species are nocturnal and lead solitary lives, coming together primarily for mating. They are omnivores with a varied diet that includes fruits, insects, small mammals, birds, and carrion. A defining feature is the presence of perineal glands near the anus. These glands produce a strong-smelling secretion known as civet, which the animals use to mark their territory and communicate with others.
Diversity and Geographic Distribution
The Viverridae family, to which civets belong, encompasses about 35 species across 20 genera. These animals are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, southern Europe, and Asia. They inhabit environments ranging from dense rainforests to grasslands and mountains.
The African Civet (Civettictis civetta) is the largest member of the family, weighing up to 18 kgs. The smaller Asian Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) is highly adaptable and often found near human settlements across South and Southeast Asia. The Binturong (Arctictis binturong), or “bearcat,” has a prehensile tail that aids in climbing.
Complex Human-Civet Interactions
The relationship between humans and civets involves both exploitation and conflict. One interaction is the production of Kopi Luwak, an expensive coffee made from cherries eaten and passed by the Asian Palm Civet. While traditionally collected from the wild, increased demand has led to civets being farmed in cages, raising animal welfare concerns.
Historically, the secretion from the African Civet’s perineal glands, called civetone, was an ingredient in the perfume industry used as a fixative. This practice dates back centuries, with Ethiopia being a major supplier. Though synthetic alternatives are now common, farming civets for their musk persists. Palm civets were also identified as intermediate hosts that transmitted the SARS coronavirus to humans during the 2003 outbreak.
Conservation Status and Major Threats
Many civet populations are in decline due to human pressures. The primary threats include habitat loss from deforestation for agriculture and urban expansion. Poaching for bushmeat is another issue, as civet meat is considered a delicacy in some countries. Civets are also captured for the pet trade and for the Kopi Luwak and perfume industries.
The conservation status of civets varies by species, with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listing many as species of concern. For instance, the African Civet and Asian Palm Civet are listed as Least Concern, though their populations are decreasing in some areas due to hunting. Some species face a higher risk; the Malabar Civet (Viverra civettina), endemic to India’s Western Ghats, is classified as Critically Endangered, with a population estimated at fewer than 250 mature individuals and possibly even extinct.