Civets are a group of small to medium-sized predators with pointed snouts, short legs, long bodies and tails. They bear a slight resemblance to cats. A secretion from the perennial glands of some species is used in preparation of medicines and perfumes. Of the six species found in Nepal, four occur in Chitwan and all are nocturnal.

LARGE INDIAN CIVET (Viverra zibetha)

The large Indian civet can be distinguished from its smaller counterpart by the erectile crest of black hair that runs along the middle of its back, adults average a length of 1.2 m, including the tail. Civets are partial to scrub forest and are said to breed twice a year. They are nocturnal and solitary hunters of small mammals, birds and reptiles, but they also eat roots and fruit. It is their highly-developed perennial glands that secrete the civet used commercially in medicines and perfumes.

SMALL INDIAN CIVET (Viverricula indica)

This animal usually measures less than a meter. This civet prefers prefer inhabited areas where they can hunt rodents and other small animals, and obtain fruits and vegetables easily.