452 



CARNIVORES. 



Inrtia.n Civet. 



cages for the purpose of obtaining its secretion, which is, however, now much less 

 used in Europe than formerly. 



This civet (T'". zihetha), of which the upper teeth are figured on 

 p. 449, is an animal of nearly the same size as its African cousin, its 

 total length being 50 inches, of which 18 are occupied by the tail. It is dis- 

 tinguished by having the erectile crest on the back, of a deep black colour ; thus 

 forming a distinct black stripe running from the shoulders to the first ring on the 

 tail, which is bordered on either side by a pale band. There are several dark bands 

 on the chest, shouldei-s, and thighs ; but the sides of the lx)dy are either plain- 

 coloured or with very indistinct markings ; the general colour of the fur being a 



0^J 



THE IXDIAN CIVET (J nat. size). 



dark grey, frequently witli a more or less decided yellowish or brownish tinge. 

 The tail is marked with six black rings, which are much wider than the interven- 

 ing white ones : its tip being black. The Indian civet inhabits the eastern side of 

 India, from Bengal to Sikhim, ascending in the last-named district to a considerable 

 elevation in the Himalaya, and it is also found in Burma, the Malay Peninsula, Siam, 

 and Southern China. Mr. Blanford .states that this civet is generalh' a solitary 

 animal ; and that " it hides in woods, bushes, or thick grass during the daj', 

 wandering into open countrj- and often coming about houses at niglit. Not 

 unfrequently it is found in holes, but whether these are dug b\- it is doubtful. It 

 is said to be very destructive, killing any birds or small mammals it can capture, 

 and often attacking fowls, ducks, etc., but also feeding on snakes, frogs, insects, 

 eggs, and on fruits and some roots." Civets take readily to water. The female 

 produces during May or June three or four young at a birth, which are probably 



