CIVETS (MUSANG)
The civets (Musang) are nocturnal creatures that look like long-nosed cats. They have long tails and often patterned coats. They belong to the family viverridae of which the mongoose is a member.
There are 12 known species of viverridae throughout Malaysia and they are mostly found in forest habitats. Civets are found throughout Peninsular Malaysia as well as in Sabah and Sarawak. They feed on small animals and fruits. The strong odour they discharge and the colour of their coats form their natural defence mechanism. It is also possible that the scent they emit is a form of communication.
Four soecies of the civets are protected in Malaysia:
- Binturng (Arctictis binturong)
- Otter Civet (Cynogale bennettii)
- Banded Palm Civet (Hemigalus derbyanus)
- Banded Linsang (Prionodon lnsang)
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