The African Civet is a type of African Viverridae and exist in sub-Saharan Africa. Nocturnal, they spend their nights hunting prey and their days sleeping. What makes them distinct is their coloring. They are black and white striped. They also have a black circles that encompass their eyes giving them the appearance of a raccoon. Find out more!
They also are known for their large backends. They are unique because they are able to give off a scent that spreads wide to mark the territory for which they claim.
They normally have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. These animals give off something through their perineal gland that is known as Civettictis civetta which is what the animals are typically targeted for.
The very same scent that they give off to mark their territory is one that is used as perfume base for many human products. The glands used to produce the substance are bigger int he male species than in the female and they produce more secretion.
Just like humans they have five digits on their paws, but the first of those is set way back from the rest of the paw. They have a good set of teeth which makes them suitable to be carnivores totaling 40. The African Civet is covered with wiry, snarly fur and it can range from red to yellow, but commonly also has spots, stripes or blotches of different colors like brown or black.