120 VIVERRIN^E. 



Sub-fam. VIVERRIN^E, Civets. 



/ n 



Molar teeth mostly -, viz., three false molars above, and four below, 

 6 6 



the anterior of which sometimes fall out ; two tolerably large tuberculous 

 teeth above, only one below ; the lower flesh- tooth with two tubercules on 



33 11 



its inner side. Dental formula, incisors q o ; canines ^ 7 ; prsemolars 



g g 3 3 



molars The canines are moderately large and sharp, the 



4 4 2 2 



false molars conical and pointed. Feet mostly digitigrade, the posterior 

 in some partially plantigrade, with four or five toes, the claws in a few 

 semi-retractile. 



The Civets are animals of more or less elongated form, with the muzzle 

 produced, and a long and generally tapering tail. The -tongue is rough 

 from rigid papillae directed backwards ; and most of them have a large 

 glandular pouch between the anus and the genital organs, secreting an 

 odorous substance. The pupils contract circularly. They are nocturnal 

 in their habits ; and, according to their genus, are more or less carnivorous 

 in their habits. Their hair is usually coarse and harsh. 



Gen. YIVERRA, Linn. 



Teeth as in the sub-family ; feet pentadactylous, the claws small, in- 

 curved, blunt, partially retractile ; the pollex small and raised. Fur 

 usually spotted. 



The anal pouch is large, and divided into two sacs. It secretes a 

 strongly odorous sebaceous substance called civet. The pupil is vertical 

 and oblong. They have a more or less erectile mane along the back, and 

 are moderate-sized animals, most of them larger than a cat. The female 

 has six teats. Their diet is partly carnivorous, but they will also feed on 

 vegetable substances. There are three species in our province. They are 

 divisible into two sections, which have been made the types of genera. 



1st. Size large, does not climb, thumb not remote, s. g. Viverra, 



119. Viverra Zibetha. 



LINNJEUS. BLYTH, Cat. 141. V. bengalensis, GRAY. HARDWICKE, 111. 

 Ind. Zool.^2, pi. 5. V. undulata, GRAY. V. melanurus and V. orientalis, 

 HODGSON ; also V. Civettoides, ejusdem. HORSFIELD, Cat. 87. Katds, 

 H. (used for several other animals as well). Mach-bhondar, Bengal; also 



