Wildlifeof Nepal
Small Indian Civet
Civets, Linsangs & Mongooses
Photo: Aravinth · CC BY 4.0
Viverricula indica
Basic stats
Diet
Mainly small vertebrates, especially rodents; also fruit, carrion and insects
Habitat
Grassland and sal forest in Chitwan National Park
Litter size
2–5 young
Gestation period
65–69 days
Size
Head and body 53–58cm; tail 38–43cm
Weight
2–4kg
The small Indian civet is brown, yellow or tawny orange, with black and white rings on the neck, small body spots that run together into six to eight dark stripes along the back, and a black-and-white banded tail. Head and body measure 53 to 58cm, with a tapering tail of 38 to 43cm, and weight is typically 2 to 4kg (Wikipedia, general species account).
In Nepal it is widely distributed in Chitwan National Park, in both grassland and sal forest. It is generally solitary and nocturnal, mostly ground-living but a good climber, resting in burrows or hollow logs. Prey is mainly small vertebrates, especially rodents, with fruit, carrion and insects taken opportunistically. Gestation lasts 65 to 69 days. Nationally Least Concern (Nepal National Red List 2011).
Quick answers
- What does the Small Indian Civet eat?
- Mainly small vertebrates, especially rodents; also fruit, carrion and insects
- What habitat does the Small Indian Civet live in?
- Grassland and sal forest in Chitwan National Park
- What is the litter size of the Small Indian Civet?
- 2–5 young
- How long is the gestation period of the Small Indian Civet?
- 65–69 days
- How big is the Small Indian Civet?
- Head and body 53–58cm; tail 38–43cm
- How much does the Small Indian Civet weigh?
- 2–4kg