Secrets of the night: Explore Malaysia’s mysterious civet cats
Civets are one of the most unique and elusive animals to encounter in the wilds of Borneo, Malaysia. A nocturnal mammal, civets are rarely seen but can be found on a night jungle safari walk, particularly around areas of secondary vegetation such as rubber and palm oil plantations.
They are typically shy, so it is important to remain quiet and observe from a distance. With so much to discover about these mysterious creatures, an encounter on a night jungle safari walk through the Malaysian rainforest is sure to be an unforgettable experience. To increase your chances of seeing civets and other wildlife, planning a Borneo Itinerary for 10 Days will always be a sensible option.
Where to find civets in Malaysia
Civets are found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, forests, and grasslands. They are also found in some human-modified habitats, such as plantations and gardens. In Malaysia, they can be spotted on night jungle safari walks through the rainforest in many areas including Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley, and Deramakot Forest Reserve.
The Malayan civet (Viverra tangalunga) is found mainly on the Malay Peninsula and the surrounding islands of the Riau Archipelago, Borneo, Banggi, Langkawi, and Penang. It also lives in Sumatra, Sulawesi, the Indonesian islands of Java, Bawal and Telok Pai, and the Phillippine island of Leyte.
They are also present in parts of Africa including Angola, Namibia, and Botswana. Civets are highly adaptable animals that can thrive in a variety of areas, but they generally prefer moist habitats with dense vegetation. They can often be found close to villages where they have a ready supply of chickens and other poultry to supplement their diet.
About civets
A civet is a small, carnivorous mammal native to tropical areas across Africa, Asia, and Southeast Asia. They are part of the Viverridae family, which includes mongooses and genets. Civets have long slender bodies with short legs, pointed snouts, and bushy tails.
Their colour varies from greyish brown to black and some species including the Malayan civet have rings on their tails for added camouflage. They usually range in size from about 60-90cm long and can weigh up to 11kg.
As with all viverrids they have four or five toes and retractable claws. Their upper and lower jaws have six incisors and molars in front of two tubercular grinders in the upper jaw, with one grinder in the lower jaw. The tongue is rough and prickly. They do not have a caecum. Civets are solitary animals that rarely venture out during the day, preferring to hunt at night when it is cooler.
Civets play a vital role in the Malaysian ecosystem as important ecological contributors. These nocturnal creatures are omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of food items including fruits, insects, small mammals, and even carrion.
As they forage and explore their environment, civets facilitate seed dispersal by consuming fruits and excreting undigested seeds in different locations. This behaviour aids in plant reproduction and helps maintain healthy vegetation across the ecosystem.
Moreover, civets also contribute to pest control by preying on various insects and small mammals. Their diet includes pests like rodents and insects, which helps regulate their populations and reduce potential damage to crops and vegetation.
The presence of civets in the food chain also influences the balance of predator-prey relationships. They serve as prey for larger predators, such as large cats and birds of prey, helping to sustain the natural food web.
Civets breed during the early months of the year and usually give birth to two or three cubs after a gestation period of about three months. Hibernation is not common among civets, but some individuals may enter into a state of torpor when conditions are severe.
Civets are highly territorial and use scent marking to mark their area. This is known as musk and a male can secrete up to 4g a week. Male civets are especially aggressive during the breeding season and will often fight off other males in order to secure a mate.
Civets possess diverse vocalizations, from guttural growls to high-pitched shrieks. They use these sounds for territorial defence, mating calls, and social interactions. Male civets emit distinct vocalisations during the breeding season to attract females.
Social bonds are reinforced through soft purring and chattering exchanges. Vocal repertoire varies among species and can exhibit regional dialects. Studying civet vocalizations provides insights into behaviour, social dynamics, and reproductive strategies, revealing the intriguing world of acoustic communication in these mammals.
Is a civet a cat?
Civets are not cats as they belong to the family Viverridae. They have long bodies and short legs like cats but they also have small ears, a long tail, and an elongated snout that distinguishes them from cats.
Are civets dangerous?
Civets are not considered dangerous animals and they mostly avoid humans. However, they are wild animals and can become aggressive if threatened or startled. It is always best to keep a safe distance when viewing these animals.
How many types of civets are there in Malaysia?
In Malaysia, there are five varieties of civet. This table outlines the differences. Colours and sizes will vary between individuals but this is a rough guide.
Civet Species | Latin Name | Size | Weight | Colour | Habitat | Diet | Behaviour |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Malayan Civet | Viverra tangalunga | Medium | 2-5kg | Brown | Forests, plantations | Omnivorous | Nocturnal, solitary |
Large-spotted Civet | Viverra megaspila | Medium | 2-5kg | Gray-brown | Forests, agricultural | Omnivorous | Nocturnal, solitary |
Small-toothed Civet | Arctogalidia trivirgata | Small | 0.6-1.3kg | Gray-brown | Forests, wetlands | Insectivorous | Nocturnal, semi-arboreal |
Banded Palm Civet | Hemigalus derbyanus | Small | 1.5-2.5kg | Dark brown | Forests, plantations | Omnivorous | Nocturnal, arboreal |
Masked Palm Civet | Paguma larvata | Small | 2-3kg | Brown | Forests, urban areas | Omnivorous | Nocturnal, arboreal |
How to spot a civet in Malaysia
Spotting a civet in the night jungle safari walks of Malaysia can be an exciting experience. You can go on a night jungle walk with an experienced local guide at jungle lodges such as Bilit Adventure Lodge.
While they are rare to spot, all five species of civets can be spotted in Malaysia. Going on a guided safari will increase your chances of finding a civet as the local guides know their territories and behaviours.
Tips for seeing a civet
- Keep an eye out for their distinctive black and white stripes and mottled fur, as well as their long tails.
- Look for their eyes which will glow in the torchlight.
- Binoculars are useful if you want to get a closer look.
- Respect the animal’s habitat by staying on marked trails and keeping your distance from them so as not to disturb them.
- Remain patient and quiet, they are there you just need to give yourself time to see them.
When is the best time of day to spot a civet?
The best times to spot a civet are at dusk and dawn when they come out to forage for food. While most civets are nocturnal, some species, such as the masked palm civet, are actually crepuscular, meaning they are active at dawn and dusk.
When is the best time of year to see a civet in Malaysia?
The best time of year to spot a civet in Malaysia is during the dry season, which lasts from April to August. During this time, civets are more active and can be spotted more easily as they come out foraging for food.
Civet conservation in Malaysia
Civet populations in Malaysia face various threats that impact their survival and well-being. Habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urban development pose significant challenges.
Destruction and degradation of their natural habitats reduce available resources, disrupt movement patterns, and isolate populations, leading to decreased genetic diversity and increased vulnerability to other threats.
Illegal wildlife trade also poses a significant threat to civets in Malaysia. Civets are often targeted for their musk glands, which are used in traditional medicine and perfume production. Poaching and trafficking of civets for their meat, fur, and parts further contribute to their declining populations.
To address these threats, conservation efforts are underway in Malaysia. The establishment and management of protected areas and national parks help preserve critical civet habitats and provide refuge for their populations. Efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade include increased enforcement, strengthening legislation, and raising awareness about the importance of protecting civets.
The Malayan civet is protected in Malaysia under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) of 1972. However, in many rural areas of Peninsular Malaysia civets are considered a pest because they prey on small livestock and raid fruit orchards. Section 55 of the WPA of 1972 allows farmers to shoot any wild animal that causes damage to their property, as long as reasonable efforts have been made to frighten the animal away.
Conservation organisations and researchers are also conducting studies on civet ecology, behaviour, and population dynamics to better understand their needs and develop effective conservation strategies. These efforts involve monitoring populations, implementing habitat restoration projects, and promoting sustainable land-use practices.
Engaging local communities in conservation initiatives is crucial. By promoting awareness, providing alternative livelihoods, and involving communities in ecotourism, it is possible to foster a sense of stewardship and support for civet conservation.
Additionally, organisations such as the Malaysian Nature Society, Wildlife Conservation Society Malaysia, and Rainforest Trust are working to protect civet habitats while conducting research on civet behaviour. This research has allowed us to better understand why these animals are declining in numbers and what can be done to help.
civet cats brief
Civet cats are nocturnal mammals that are found in a variety of habitats in Malaysia, including forests, secondary vegetation, and even human-modified areas. They are solitary animals that are active at night, and they are known for their distinctive scent glands. Civets are omnivores, and their diet consists of fruits, insects, small mammals, and even birds.
The most common type of civet cat in Malaysia is the Malayan civet (Viverra tangalunga). This species is found throughout the country, and it is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) of 1972. Civets are an important part of the Malaysian ecosystem, and they play a role in seed dispersal and pest control.
This wildlife encounter was experienced by Travel Must Do’s