What is malabar civet?

The Malabar civet (Viverra civettina) is a critically endangered viverrid endemic to the Western Ghats of India.

• Physical Description: It is a medium-sized civet, with a greyish-brown coat, dark spots and stripes, and a long, bushy tail. It has a distinctive black and white pattern on its neck.

• Habitat and Distribution: Historically found in the coastal areas of the Western Ghats, its current range is highly fragmented. It prefers dense forests and plantations.

• Behavior and Ecology: It is believed to be nocturnal and solitary. Its diet likely includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, fruits, and insects. Due to its rarity, detailed ecological data is scarce.

• Threats: Major threats include habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion, hunting for its meat and perceived medicinal value, and human-wildlife conflict.

• Conservation Status: Listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, the Malabar civet is on the brink of extinction. Conservation efforts are hampered by a lack of recent confirmed sightings and limited information on its population size and distribution. Targeted surveys and habitat protection are crucial for its survival.