THE CIVET CAT 



base of the tail the hair is long, forming a crest. The 

 tail from the root half way along is ringed with 

 white. These rings are interrupted by a black band 

 running along the upper part of the tail. The tail 

 towards the tip is quite black. 



In the wilder parts of the country, away from 

 the habitations of man, the Civet Cat fulfils its 

 mission in life by checking the too rapid increase of 

 various animals, including such pests as venomous 

 snakes, rats, mice, locusts, and a variety of insects 

 more or less noxious to mankind. 



The Swazis call this animal the Mptcamadhloti, 

 which means '^ that which puzzles spirits." This 

 is evidently because of its shy and secretive habits, 

 which are supposed to baffle even the powers of a 

 spirit to find it. 



