Otter
Civet
(Cynogale bennettii)
Classification Physical Description Habitat/Range Diet Reproduction Behavior Wild Status Links
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Subfamily: Hemigalinae
Family: Viverridae
Genus: Cynogale
Species: bennettii
The otter civet ranges in length from 705 to 880 mm (27.76 to 34.65 in) and weigh between 3 to 5 kg (6.6 to 11 lbs). Their fur is light in color near the skin and is almost black at the tips. Otter civets have long gray hairs throughout their coat which gives them a frosted appearance. Otter civets are semi-aquatic and possess several adaptations to suit their lifestyle. Otter civets have the ability to close their ears and their nostrils open upward. They also have wide, webbed feet that are adapted for swimming. The otter civet also secretes a mild musk from three glands near its genital area.
The otter civet is distributed throughout the swamplands and river boarders of the Malay Peninsula, the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, the Kelabit uplands, S. Baram, upper S. Rajang and Mukah in Sarawak, and parts of southern Thailand. Since otter civets are semi-aquatic they never stray too far from water.
It is believed that the otter civet lays in the water waiting for its prey with just its eyes visible, much like that of a crocodile or alligator. Prey items include:
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Mollusks |
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Crayfish |
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Small mammals |
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Birds |
Little information is known about the breeding habits of the otter civet. Females usually have between two and three young per season. Young have been seen with the mother in May and it is unclear how old the young are when they leave. When born, otter civets are born without the frosted hairs on their backs. Sexual maturity, gestation, and breeding seasons are currently unknown.
The otter civet is nocturnal and is rarely observed in the wild. There are conflicting reports regarding the civet's swimming ability. Some scientist have argued that because of its adaptations the otter civet is a good swimmer. Other experts have argued that since it is not a fast swimmer, it would more likely flee predators by climbing a tree than by swimming.
In 1994, the otter civet was declared endangered. It is threatened by ongoing habitat loss, degradation, harvesting, and persecution. It is believed that in recent years, the population has decreased by fifty percent.
For more information visit:
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Or contact the Small Carnivore TAG Education Liaison
Page Created By
Stephanie Neumann
Pensacola Junior College
Zoo Animal Technology Program, Fall 2005