Want to know where and when to find African Civet? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.
Where to see African Civet in South Africa
About the African Civet
The African civet is a large, mostly nocturnal mammal found across much of sub-Saharan Africa. It has a distinctive black-and-white spotted and striped coat, a dark facial mask, a black dorsal mane and a long tail with dark and pale bands. It is omnivorous and opportunistic, feeding on fruit, insects, small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and carrion. African civets are generally solitary and spend the daytime resting in dense vegetation before becoming active after dark.
How to identify the African Civet
Medium-sized, heavily built nocturnal mammal with a greyish coat covered in black spots and bands, a dark dorsal crest, black facial markings and a long ringed tail. The hindquarters are generally higher than the shoulders.
Did you know?
African Civets produce a strongly scented secretion called civet, which historically became valuable in the perfume industry.
Also known as: Civet, Groot Genetkat, Sivetkat, Afrika-sivetkat
Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for African Civet, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.