Critter Science

The Malayan civet can be found throughout Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They prefer secondary habitats, forests, rainforests, agricultural land, and can also be seen just outside villages . There are around 20 species of civets described to date. Even though they face the threats of habitat destruction, at the hands of agricultural activities, and are hunted and trapped, these civets remain listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Their populations are stable across their range.

First the Stats… Scientific name: Viverra tangalunga Weight: Up to 16 lbs. Length: Up to 30.43 inches, plus up to a 15.55 inch tail Height: Up to 18+ inches Lifespan: Up to 12 years

Now on to the Facts! 1.) Malayan civets, like other civets, are nocturnal (active at night).

2.) Unlike other civets though, these critters are primarily terrestrial (spend their lives on the ground).

3.) Even though these civets prefer a terrestrial lifestyle, they can still climb and navigate trees, just like all civets. They often scale trees to look for food or to escape predation .

4.) They are solitary and only come together to mate.

5.) Just like skunks and mustelids in general Malayan civets can produce a foul smelling musk from their anal glands. This musk is called civet.

But wait, there’s more on the Malayan civet! 6.) The musk produced from their glands is released when they feel threatened.

7.) Malayan civets prey on mice , rats , chickens , snakes, lizards, frogs, and insects. They also feast on eggs, fruits, and roots.

Did you know…? These critters also go by the names of Oriental civets and Malay civets.

8.) Tigers , leopards , larger snakes , and crocodiles all hunt the Malayan civet.

9.) Females breed up to 2 times a year. Each brood consists of up to 4 pups.

10.) Pups are born altricial (blind and helpless). But they are weened in just 1 month.

Now a Short Malayan Civet Video!

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Think you know a lot about critters? Try your hand at these fun, free quizzes:

Bird Quiz Reptile Quiz Cat Quiz Amphibian Quiz Dolphin Quiz toolTips('.classtoolTips6','

Terrestrial creatures are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land. They may venture into the trees or water, but their primary existence is on land.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips6','

Terrestrial creatures are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land. They may venture into the trees or water, but their primary existence is on land.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips16','

Predation is the ecological process by which an animal (or an organism) kills and feeds on another. The animal that kills to feed is called a predator . The 1 that is killed to be eaten is called prey.

Some examples or predators are: raptors , wolves , snakes , cats , and sharks .'); toolTips('.classtoolTips18','

Organisms that are nocturnal are active at night. Animals that fit into this category are typically prey animals that rely on the cover of darkness as a defense. Granted, there are no shortage of predators at night. Some organisms adopt a nocturnal lifestyle due to climate issues. Many desert dwelling animals are nocturnal as it is simply cooler outside at night. Aardvarks , badgers , bandicoots , and aye-ayes are just some examples of nocturnal creatures.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips22','

Animals hatched or born in an undeveloped state that require care and feeding by one or both of the parents is called altricial. Some examples are: owls , marsupials , cats , dogs , and rodents .');

Malasia

The Malayan Civet

The Malayan Tapir

The Giant Malayan Flying Fox