Civet Cat hunting in Cameroon

Civet Cats have a Raccoon-like appearance with a dog-like, shaggy, ornate pattern of whiteish-grey and black bands across the body and tail. The face has a very distinct black face mask and pale forehead. Their body hair is coarse with a slight crest extending from the muzzle to the tip of the tail. When threatened they make a spitting hissing noise which can escalate to a growl and coughing bark. Civets may be hunted in both the forests and the savannahs of Cameroon. Civets are nocturnal animals favouring forested and partially forested mosaics and in the more open areas favour cultivated, marshy dense cover along watercourses. However more often than not they are encountered whilst feeding on roads and footpaths. These solitary omnivores enjoy a variety of fruits, insects and small mammals even feeding on numerous fruit and insects that are poisonous to other animals. Classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, no special export permits are required but a hunting permit must be prearranged.