African Palm Civet

*For the African civet click here.*

## About

An African palm civet at night.

The African palm civet ***(Nandinia binotata)*** is a species of African civet and the sole member of the nandiniidae family. The African palm civet is differentiated from other civets (viverridae) by their unique ear canal structure and mastoid part of their temporal bone. African palm civets have bluish grey to rusty brown further down the animal's body. Along with their darkish coat, African palm civets have black spots across their bodies and a blackish brown stripes on the top of their head and their muzzle., as well as similarly coloured streaks on their upper neck. The eyes of the African palm civet are brownish gold with slit pupils and create back-shine when shined on. This eyeshine is caused by the tapetum lucidum, a reflective structure located at the back of the eye, behind the retina. The tapetum is present in all civet species. Common with most civet species, African palm civets have rounded ears on the sides of their heads and large purplish-brown bare noses. African palm civets have five digits on each paw with non-retractable claws. The long tail that the African palm civet possesses, aids in helping the animal balance while situated high in the trees however, it is not prehensile. These civets exhibit minor sexual dimorphism, with adult males growing to a length of 39.8-62.5cm (15.6-24.6in) and weighing 1.3-3kg (2.9-6.6lbs). The females grow to a length of 37-61cm (15-24in) and weigh 1.2-2.7kg (2.6-6lbs). Their long ringed-tails can measure to 43-76.2cm (16.9-30in) and 34-70cm (13-28in) respectively.

## Diet

African palm civets are omnivorous animals that eat a diet made up of majority meat however, if required they will consume various species of fruits. The carnivorous part of the civet's diet includes; small mammals, birds, eggs, reptiles and carrion. Overall the African palm civet has a wide and varied diet.

## Conservation Status

As with most rainforest dependent animals, palm civets are pressured by the ongoing deforestation within their range however, this is not listed as an immediate threat by the IUCN and the species presently occurs in many protected regions, such as national reserves and parks. Otherwise, the species is more threatened by the ongoing hunting that they experience locally. African palm civets are commonly trapped and hunted in their range, with their products being used as both a food source and a traditional medicinal method. The fur of the African palm civet is also used in order to make clothing such as clothes and hats. According to the IUCN page for the African palm civet, the species was listed as the most numerous species in bushmeat markets in both Guinea and Equatorial Guinea. Particularly in Gabon, the African palm civet was found to be 3 times more common in bushmeat markets when compared to other Carnivorans. Despite the multitude of factors that threaten the African palm civet, the species is still classed as least concern by the IUCN due to its vast range and likely stable population.

## Range and Population

The African palm civet has an unknown population however, it inhabits an extremely large range. African palm civets occur in an array of environments, such as rainforests, scrublands and savannas. Furthermore, the species is widespread throughout the west African coast, east Africa and the central African inland regions, such as the Congo rainforest. Due to the absence of the species on periphery Equatorial Guinea, it can be inferred that the African palm civet has gone regionally extinct in the area. In particular, the African palm civet can no longer be found on Equatorial Guinea's Boiko Island. other than this historic population, the African palm civet can only be found on mainland Africa, being absent from Madagascar, Mauritius and other Island countries.

## Behaviour

Being nocturnal solitary animals, African palm civets do not travel or interact with each other in social groups, aside from the breeding season and the following rearing of offspring. According to ADW, African palm civets are most active after nightfall for around 3-4 hours and will become active once again for 3-4 hours before sunrise. During the daylight hours, African palm civets are either dormant or hiding. Both sexes are rather territorial, secreting a musk from multiple glands present on their bodies. These musk glands can be found on the bottom of the civet's chin and feet however, the largest can be found on the civet's lower abdomen. All of these glands secrete a large amount of brownish fluid, that expels a 'floral' or 'fruity' smell. The most prominent gland is actually known as the 'civet gland' and it is the root of the civet name. Lactating African palm civets have an exclusive gland on their underbelly which stains their young bright yellow. The purpose of this cosmetic change is unknown. African palm civets are most well known for their loud hooting sound however, while communicating to one another, the species will produce a mewing o clucking sound. When agitated, the civets will create a loud barking or growling sound in order to appear more threatening. Interestingly, African palm civets have the ability to purr. African palm civets breed twice a year, typically during the African rainy season (April-June and October-December). A single male will typically mate with multiple females which territories overlap with his. The female will go through 9 weeks of gestation before giving birth occurring around May or October. Female palm civets will typically give birth to 2-4 'cubs', and raise them in a tree hollow, before they are weaned at around 64 days of age. Once weaned, the civet will accompany their mother while she forages, almost until adulthood. A palm civet will reach sexual maturity at around 3 years of age.

### Relationship with Humans

When moving through dense foliage, domestic dogs ***(Canis lupus familiarus)*** will accompany them, which can lead to dangerous encounters with African palm civets. African palm civets are known to be extremely defensive, attacking threats. This often leads to human-wildlife conflict with the species. Strangely, African palm civets are known to attack and even kill domestic dogs if challenged. Though African palm civets may aid in the eradication of rodent infestations on farms however, more often than not, African palm civets will be considered pests, as they often catch livestock such as poultry. If disturbed or agitated by humans, palm civets may be inclined to bite those who they perceive as a threat.

## In Captivity

No African palm civets can currently be found in captivity.

## Sources

* IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41589/45204645
* African Palm Civet | Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African\_palm\_civet
* African Palm Civet | Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology - https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Nandinia\_binotata/