Civet |
Unique Features
African Civets are exclusively nocturnal and are very shy. They secrete pungent fluid from their anal glands. This fluid is used in the manufacture of perfume. Description The African Civet has a long body with a coarse, wiry coat. Civets are solitary and nocturnal. During the day they hide in old aardvark burrows, thickets or tall grass. Their anal glands secrete a strong odour. Civets prey on small animals and also eat carrion. They also eat the young of small antelope, as well as reptiles, rodents, birds, eggs and insects. Predators Their nocturnal way of life protects them from most predators. They may be taken by leopard, hyenas and lion. Their best defense is their secretive nature and their camouflage. When threatened, the civet makes a fine aggressive display standing broadside to the enemy, hunching its back and erecting its mane, growling, snarling and spitting, and it may also secret a jet of pungent fluid from its anal gland. Family Ties They are mainly solitary. |