African+Civet

The African civet is a omnivorous mammal indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. It is the lone species to be classified under the Civettictis genus. The civet is notable for having a unique coloring of varying black and white blotches that allow it to avoid detection. Because of its coloration, it is easily mistaken for a raccon. It is a heavyset creature with a short neck, small eyes and ears, and a bushy tail. Males and females of the species do not have differences in size, with both averaging about twenty-eight pounds in weight an individual.

The African civet is nocturnal solitary animal. While active at night, the civet can be found manly in areas of dense vegetation, such as tropical forests and jungles. Its diet insects, small rodents, and snakes and hunts via scent and sound for its prey. To claim territory, a civet will produce an fluid referred to as civet and spray it onto its claimed regions. An individual’s lifespan averages anywhere from fifteen to twenty years.

The mating of the African civet lasts between August and January. Preferably, the civet couple mates when it is still summer as there becomes an abundance of insects for the entire population. When it is time to start the process, the female civet will find a hole previously dug by another animal to use as the nest for the offspring. After intercourse and the gestation period, the female gives birth to a litter of one to four babies and can give birth up to two other litters throughout the year. After eighteen days, the offspring are able to leave the nest but require the assistance and protection of their mother for at least another two months.

The species is classified as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, meaning it is not threatened by extinct at this time.