Bennett's civet. 243 



folamophilusbarbatus, Muller, Tijdsch. Natuur. Gesch. vol. v. 



p. 142 (1838). 

 Cynogale barbata, Schinz, Synops. Mamm. vol. i. p. 388 (1844). 

 Characters.— The following description of a living specimen 

 is given by Mr. Sanyal. In form and size this animal resembles 

 partly a Linsang and partly a Prionodon. The head is elon- 

 gated, and the muzzle broad and depressed, the breadth of the 

 latter appearing more pronounced owing to the exceptional 

 character of the upper lip, which is much thickened in order 

 to support the roots of the abundant and well-developed 

 whiskers. A bunch of whiskers below each ear and close to 

 the outer angle of the eye ; also an intermediate set on each 

 side of the nose between the eye and the lip. A tuft of 

 vibrissas on the chin between the lower lip and the throat. 

 Eyes large and oblique ; ears small and rounded ; nostrils with 

 distinct lobes adapted for a sub-aquatic life. Tail moderate and 

 thick. Prevailing colour of the fur grey, becoming grizzled 

 white on the back, rump, and outer surface of the limbs* ; a 

 dark longitudinal stripe on the crown of the head and nape ; 

 eyebrows partially white j a white spot en each side of the 

 head below the ears, corresponding with the place of inser- 

 tion of the whiskers in this region ; lips white. Under-parts 

 blackish ; tip of the tail whitish. Length ot head and body, 

 about 32 inches; of tail, 9^ inches. 



Distribution. — Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. 



Habits.— Little trustworthy information is obtainable as to the 

 habits of this rare Civet in the native state, although it may be 

 taken as certain that the creature is to a considerable extent 



* The colour has been hitherto described as uniformly reddish-brown, 

 save for a narrow dark streak down the head. The difference may, perhaps, 

 be in part accounted for from the fact that one description is taken from 

 the living animal, and the other from dried skins ; and also from the differ- 

 ent ages°of the specimens examined, old ones being probably more grey 

 than younger examples. 



U 2 



