The African Civet (Civettictis civetta) is a large viverrid that lives in woodlands and secondary forests in sub-Saharan Africa. Its characteristic coloration is black and white with blotches that cover its entire body in a cryptic pattern. Black bands surround the eyes, similar to those of a raccoon. Its hindquarters are disproportionately large, and it has an erectile dorsal crest. The African Civet is an omnivorous generalist, as it feeds on small vertebrates, invertebrates, eggs, carrion, and vegetable matter. It is a solitary and nocturnal mammal that spends the day sleeping in dense vegetation.
The African Civet has a body length in the range of 26.4”-35” (67-89 cm) and total weight of 15.4-44.1 lb (7-20 kg). The African Civet has a body height between 15.75”-20.5” (40-52 cm), body width of 7.5”-9.8” (19-25 cm), and tail length of 13.4”-18.5” (34-47 cm). The typical lifespan of the African Civet is between 15-28 years.
The African Civet (Civettictis civetta) is a large viverrid that lives in woodlands and secondary forests in sub-Saharan Africa. Its characteristic coloration is black and white with blotches that cover its entire body in a cryptic pattern. Black bands surround the eyes, similar to those of a raccoon. Its hindquarters are disproportionately large, and it has an erectile dorsal crest. The African Civet is an omnivorous generalist, as it feeds on small vertebrates, invertebrates, eggs, carrion, and vegetable matter. It is a solitary and nocturnal mammal that spends the day sleeping in dense vegetation.
The African Civet has a body length in the range of 26.4”-35” (67-89 cm) and total weight of 15.4-44.1 lb (7-20 kg). The African Civet has a body height between 15.75”-20.5” (40-52 cm), body width of 7.5”-9.8” (19-25 cm), and tail length of 13.4”-18.5” (34-47 cm). The typical lifespan of the African Civet is between 15-28 years.