Civet Cat hunting in South Africa

Civet Cats have a Raccoon-like appearance and despite their cat-like behaviour and appearance are more closely related to the Mongoose and Weasel families. Their fur colouring is predominantly black and white with a grey face and the hind legs are much longer than the front legs with a long tail. Civet Cats are solitary secretive nocturnal animals. During the day Civet Cats require forested habitats, long grass or thickets for cover to rest up, usually in close proximity to water. They occur in the north eastern part of the country and best hunted in the Limpopo and Lowveld areas of Mpumalanga provinces. Civet Cats are hunted at night with a spotlight and are most active just after sunset when searching for their favourite foods which comprises rodents, frogs, birds eggs, insects, fruit, crabs and even carrion. Classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, no special export permits are required but a hunting permit must be prearranged.