Characteristics African civet

skeleton

the african civet largest viverrid in africa. among extant viverrids, binturong matches or exceeds african civet in size. while females credited larger, there no great discernible differences in measurements between sexes. weight can range 7 20 kg (15 44 lb), average mass of 12.5 kg (28 lb). head-and-body length 67 84 cm (26 33 in), while tail 34 47 cm (13 19 in) , shoulder height averages 40 cm (16 in). civettictis civetta stocky animal long body , appears short-legged size although hind limbs noticeably larger , more powerful. has short broad neck, pointed muzzle, small rounded ears, small eyes , long bushy tail.

the african civet has 5 digits per manus in first toe set others. african civet has long, curved, semi-retractile claws. feet compact , unsuitable digging or climbing , soles of feet hairless. african civets have modified synapsid skull heavy-built , longest of viverrid. zygomatic arch robust , provides large area attachment of masseter muscle. skull has well-developed sagittal crest provides large area attachment of temporalis muscle. musculature , african civet’s strong mandible give powerful bite oriented omnivorous diet. african civets have total of forty teeth , dental formula of 3/3, 1/1, 4/4, 2/2.

drawing of african civet

like many mammals, african civet has 2 types of fur - under fur , guard hairs. pelage of african civet coarse , wiry. coat unique each individual, human fingerprint. dorsal base color of fur varies white creamy yellow reddish. stripes, spots, , blotches cover animal deep brown black in coloration. horizontal lines prominent on hind limbs, spots present on midsection of animal , fade anteriorly vertical stripes above forelimbs. tail of african civet black few white bands , paws black. head, neck , ears marked. black band stretches across eyes of raccoon , coloration of neck referred double collar because of 2 black neck bands.

following spine of animal extending neck base of tail erectile dorsal crest. hairs of erectile crest longer of rest of pelage. if african civet feels threatened, raises dorsal crest make larger , more formidable , dangerous attack. behavior predatory defense.

the perineal gland species of civet known , civettictis civetta has historically been species harvested it. gland secretes white or yellow waxy substance called civet, used civets marking territory , humans perfume base. perineal , anal glands found in both male , female african civets, however, glands bigger in males, can produce stronger secretion. perineal glands located between scrotum , prepuce in males , between anus , vulva in females.