Large-spotted civet

Large-spotted civet ( drawing by JG Keulemans )

The large-spotted civet ( Viverra megaspila ) is a predatory species from the family of civets ( Viverridae ). The species occurs in Southeast Asia and is considered endangered. About their life little is known.

Description

The large-spotted civet is a relatively large species of the genus Viverra. It reaches a mature body length of 72-85 cm and a tail length of 30-37 cm. The body weight 8-9 kg. The ground color varies from gray to yellow-brown, contrasting with the black spots on the flanks and thighs. How similar Malabar civet cat, it has a very clearly distinct coat pattern with relatively large patches. Along the back line is a lot of black, stand-up hair, which are about 6 inches long. The tail is marked with black rings. Note the black and white bands at the throat and sides of the neck. The feet are brownish. Compared to the Indian civet, the head massive and the snout is longer. The skull itself also has some differences. In addition, the large-spotted civet has slightly smaller canines and incisors, while the back row of teeth is longer. Compared to the Malabar civet cat back teeth are smaller. There are also differences in the morphology of the ball of the foot. Large-spotted civet cats have two teats.

Dental formula:

Distribution and habitat

The large-spotted civet inhabited large parts of Southeast Asia from southern China to the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. In this area they inhabited primarily evergreen and deciduous forests of the lowlands, which also disturbed secondary forests are inhabited. Rarely, the species is found above 300 m, the highest evidence are at about 520 m. The distribution area includes originally China, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. However, no actual evidence of China and Malaysia. Historically, large-spotted civet is also detected from the island of Penang. Whether Singapore belongs to the area of ​​distribution is unclear.

System

The Malabar civet ( Viverra civettina ) was considered until recently as a subspecies of the large-spotted civet. Today, both are considered to be separate species. All other populations are considered to be monotypic, so it no longer subspecies are distinguished.

Way of life

Over the life of this kind is hardly anything known. The animals are mainly nocturnal and live solitary. They keep mainly to the ground.

Endangering

The destruction of lowland forests, the habitats of the species are dwindling rapidly. Also, direct hunting, especially with traps and dogs, provides an element of threat However, there is little information on the exact stock numbers. It is believed that the populations have declined in 15 years by about 30 %. Due to this strong inventory decline, the type of the IUCN as Vulnerable (endangered ) substance. In all countries except Cambodia and Myanmar may be the occurrence areas are highly fragmented. In the extreme north and south of its range, the situation is particularly dramatic. There are from there for the presence of the species no evidence. The latest reports from China and Malaysia are from the years 1998 and 1985. The species occurs in several protected areas, such as in Taphyra National Park in Thailand. In most states within its range, the large-spotted civet is protected, but not in China.