How to Identify the Civet

The civet is a wonderful animal that can be found in Africa and Asia. There are several species of civet, all generally cat like in appearance. Seeing a civet in the wild is a neat experience. Here is how to identify a civet in the wild.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Keen Eyesight
• Night Vision Goggles (if available)
• Binoculars

Identify The Civet in the Wild

1. Know the areas that you might find the civet. The civet can be found in Southern Asia, as well as throughout Central Africa. The civet prefers to live in the forests and woodlands, but can also be found in the grasslands of Madagascar. They like to live in trees as well in and among roots and rock piles. The versatile civet can adapt rather well to its surroundings.

2. Observe the beautiful coat of fur that the civet sports. This fur is spotted as well as striped black and tan to white. This wonderful pattern allows the civet to blend into the forest when it comes out to hunt at night. The civet is a master at staying hidden so you will need to keep a sharp eye out.

3. Watch the civet feed on a number of different morsels. The civet is an omnivore that can survive on fruit, nuts, and assorted vegetation, as well as small rodents, reptiles, insects and even birds. This wide variance of food sources allows the civet to adapt to whatever is available. The civet will hunt at night, after sleeping throughout the day.

4. Notice that the civet is generally a solitary animal. The civet spends most of its life alone, though it will become social when mating season comes around. The civet leaves a scent mark on trees and bushes in its range to let other civets know if it is ready to mate. This scent is emitted from the rear of the animal and the glands that produce it have been used to make perfume. In recent years, this practice has been deemed to be cruel, and synthetic replacements are now generally used.

5. Observe the size of the civet is very similar to a large house cat. The civet is actually quite like a cat in appearance though it does have more of a pointed snout. This snout is sensitive and able to detect smells that a human nose may miss. They also have large eyes to keep aware of its surroundings and see at night. Since they are more active at night, night vision goggles would help in locating this elusive animal.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that their are a number of species of Civet.
• When looking for the civet stay downwind so they do not smell you approaching.
• Do not attempt to handle a civet in the wild. They will scratch and bite.
• Any injury from a wild animal can be dangerous and should be checked by a doctor.