Viverridade, from Latin viverra (“ferret”), in reference to the fact that all the members of this family are ferret-shaped animals, although the ferret is not a member of this family, but rather of Mustelidae.

Common names of members

Civets, linsangs, genets.

Distribution

Iberian Peninsula, Northern and sub-saharan Africa and South, Southeast and East Asia.

Size

They are small-medium sized, from 33 cm length and a weight of 650 g to 84 cm and 18 kg.

Morphology

They are distinguished from the Felidae by the longer muzzle and tuft of facial vibrissae between the lower jaw bones, and by the shorter limbs and the five-toed hind foot with the first digit present. They have four or five toes on each foot and half-retractile claws. They have six incisors in each jaw and molars with two tubercular grinders behind in the upper jaw, and one in the lower jaw. The tongue is rough with sharp prickles. They have perineal glands located between reproductive organs and anus, which produce strong smelling substances for defense and marking territory.

Habitat & Ecology

Some are arboreal and live on trees in its most common habitat, the tropical forests, but they also live in savannas. Some are good swimmers and live near rivers.

Diet

They are nocturnal hunters, feeding on small vertebrates (including carrion), insects, and other invertebrates including worms, crustaceans, and molluscs. Some species are probably strictly carnivorous and have the reputation of fierce and effective predators; others also include fruit and roots in their diets.

Reproduction 

Only females responsible for parenting. On average, 2-3 kittens will be born each time.

Species known in Hong Kong

2

Total species known

37

Species in the collection

3

Species in Hong Kong

2

Reference

http://Feldhamer, G. A., L. C. Drickamer, S. H. Vessey, and J. F. Merritt. (2020). Mammalogy. Adaptation, Diversity, and Ecology. Johns Hopkins University Press. Nowak, R. M. (2005). Walker's Carnivores of the World. Johns Hopkins University Press.