Description

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Context :

A rare civet cat is usually found in the Seshachalam forests near Tirumala.
Recently, it was spotted near Tadepalli in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh.
Civet is very rare in the region because of its unique habitat preferences.

About Civet

Civets are long bodied, short legged carnivores that belong to the family of Viverridae.
- The Viverridae family includes various species such as civets, genets, oyans, & linsangs.
- There are 15 to 20 species of civets. And they are placed in 10 to 12 genera.
Civets are found across Africa, southern Europe, & Asia.
In India, 8 species of wild civets are found.
- The Common Palm Civet & Small Indian Civet are common across the subcontinent.
Malabar Large-Spotted Civet (Viverra civettina) is the rarest civet species. And it is endemic to the Western Ghats of India and also it is classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ under the IUCN Red List.

Civet Features

A thickly furred tail.
Small ears & a pointed snout.
Their coloration varies.But they commonly appear in buff or grayish tones with black spots or stripes.
Size:
- Length: Between 40 to 85 cm
- Weight: Varies between 5 to 11 kg.

Habitat and Behavior

Civets are solitary animals. It means that they prefer living in tree hollows, rocky areas, & similar secluded spots.
They are nocturnal & they come out to forage at night.
Diet: they usually eat fruits & insects with occasional small animals supplementing their diet

Conservation Status

Malabar Large-Spotted Civet is critically endangered due to habitat loss & other environmental threats.
Conservation efforts are necessary to protect this rare species from extinction.

Source: TOI

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which of the following civet species is considered critically endangered?

A) Common Palm Civet

B) Small Indian Civet

C) Malabar Large-Spotted Civet

D) Asian Palm Civet

Answer: C) Malabar Large-Spotted Civet

Explanation :

● The Malabar large-spotted civet (also known as Malabar civet) is one such civet species that is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.

● Malabar large-spotted civet (Viverra civetina):

● Found in the Western Ghats of India

● The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the Malabar civet as critically endangered, indicating a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

● Other civet species: The other civet species mentioned (Common palm civet, Small Indian civet, and Asian palm civet) are not considered critically endangered.