Mammals
African Civet
Civettictis civetta · also called African civets
Raising a crest of hair along its spine to appear larger when threatened, an African civet moves almost entirely on the ground through savanna and forest at night, the largest member of a family better known elsewhere for its more agile, tree-climbing relatives.
Overview
The African civet, Civettictis civetta, is the largest civet species, native to savanna and forest habitat across sub-Saharan Africa. Its ground-dwelling habits, considerable size compared to other civets, and history of scent-gland farming for the perfume industry make it one of the more economically significant small carnivores found anywhere on the continent.
The heavyweight of the civet family
While many civet species have adapted to a life spent largely in trees, the African civet has taken the opposite path, growing to a size and build that keeps it firmly on the ground across the savanna and forest it calls home.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and adaptable across suitable savanna and forest habitat throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
African Civet: common questions
Is the African civet the largest civet species?
Yes, this species is the largest member of the civet family, considerably bulkier than the more slender, arboreal Asian palm civets found across South and Southeast Asia.
Does the African civet climb trees like Asian civets?
No, this species stays almost entirely on the ground while hunting, a clear behavioural difference from some of its more agile, tree-climbing Asian relatives.
Why were African civets historically farmed?
This species has large scent glands that produce a strongly musky secretion, which was historically collected from captive animals on civet farms for use as a fixative in perfume production.
How can you identify an African civet?
This species has a coarse, dark-spotted coat and a distinct crest of longer hair running along its spine, which it can raise when threatened to appear larger to potential predators.