Viverra

This genus includes some of the largest and most striking members of the civet family, a group of nocturnal, carnivorous mammals found throughout South and Southeast Asia. These animals belong to the family Viverridae and are commonly referred to as true civets. Members of Viverra are known for their long, sleek bodies, short legs, and pointed faces, giving them a somewhat cat-like appearance, though they are not felines. They are solitary, secretive, and primarily active at night, spending much of their time hunting and foraging in forests, grasslands, and even near human settlements.

There are four recognized species in this genus, with the large Indian civet (Viverra zibetha) and the Malayan civet (Viverra tangalunga) being the most well known. These civets have coarse, grayish or brown fur marked with black spots, stripes, or bands, and a long, ringed tail. One of the most striking features of Viverra species is the presence of a black-and-white facial pattern, often including dark “masks” around the eyes and a white stripe running down the snout, which enhances their sharp, mysterious look. Their scent glands, used for marking territory, are also very well developed — a trait common in civets.

Viverra civets are omnivores, but they lean heavily toward a carnivorous diet, feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and occasionally fruit or carrion. They are skilled hunters, moving stealthily through the undergrowth with surprising agility and speed. They spend much of their time on the ground, unlike some of their tree-dwelling relatives, though they are capable climbers if needed. They are also highly adaptable, living in forests, scrublands, farmlands, and even the outskirts of towns and villages, as long as there is cover and access to food.