Civet Information

Civet in South Africa

( Civettictis civetta )

Rust de Winter Safaris_civet species

CIVET

The African Civet (Civettictis civetta australis) is a nocturnal mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. Recognizable by its distinctive spotted and striped coat, it has a long body, bushy tail with rings, and a black mask-like pattern on its face. With omnivorous habits, it feeds on fruits, insects, and small mammals. Known for its musky scent glands, it's solitary and territorial, adapting to various habitats from forests to urban areas.


Fact Sheet 

Numbers: Fairly common in selected areas

Weight: 8 - 20kg (18 - 44 lb.)

Young: Up to 4


Diet: They are omnivores, feeding on fruits, small mammals, insects, frogs and birds.


Habits: Civets are primarily nocturnal and solitary animals, active at night to forage for food. Civets are territorial, marking their areas with scent glands. They inhabit a variety of environments, including forests, grasslands, and savannahs, and often stay close to water sources. Despite their solitary nature, Civets are adaptable and elusive, rarely seen during the day.


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