Civet Cat

PRELIMS BITS

Context:

A rare Small Indian Civet was spotted near Tadepalli in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, a region where it is not commonly seen.

About Civet Cats:

  • Classification: Not true cats; belong to the family Viverridae, closely related to mongooses.
  • Diversity: 15–20 species worldwide.
  • Distribution: Found in Asia, Africa, and Southern Europe; common in India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Habitat: Tropical forests, grasslands, and human settlements.
  • Physical Traits:
    • Thick furred tail, small ears, and pointed snout.
    • Colors vary, often buff or greyish with black spots or stripes.
  • Diet: Omnivorous – consumes fruits, small mammals, insects, and coffee cherries.
  • Threats: Habitat loss, hunting, and commercial exploitation for their musky scent, used in perfumes.

Civets in India:

India is home to 8 species of wild civets, with varying conservation statuses.

 

 

Civet Species Key Features IUCN StatusLeast Concern WPA (1972) Schedule
Malabar Civet Endemic to Western Ghats. Critically Endangered Schedule I
Binturong Largest civet in India. Vulnerable Schedule I
Large Indian Civet Distinctive dark stripe with white bands. Not Listed
Small Toothed Palm Civet Known as Three Stripe Palm Civet. Least Concern

 

Not Listed
Masked Palm Civet (Himalayan Palm Civet) Found in the Himalayas & Northeast India. Least Concern Not Listed
Brown Palm Civet Endemic to Western Ghats. Least Concern Not Listed
Common Palm Civet Found across India. Least Conc

ern

Not Listed
Small Indian Civet Widely distributed in the subcontinent. Least Concern Not Listed

Conservation Concerns:

  • Malabar Civet is Critically Endangered due to habitat destruction.
  • Binturong and other civets face threats from poaching, deforestation, and illegal wildlife trade.
  • Conservation efforts are needed to protect their habitats and populations.

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