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The Family Viverridae, Civets and mungooses is represented by three
genera and four species. The Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica
(Desmarest), a tawny-grey or grayish-brown animal streaked and spotted
above, is found throughout the State. Prefers long grass or scrub to live in.
Feeds mainly on rodents, small birds and reptiles but eats fruits also.
Occasionally destructive to poultry. Easily domesticated they are often
kept for the extraction ‘Civet’ from the scent glands.
The more arboreal black or blackish-brown Palm Civet or Toddy Cat
Paradoxurus hermaphroditus has an equally wide distribution but prefers
wooded areas. It is also found in association with man and lives on rats
and mice which are found in and around houses. Another species of Civet
which may occur in the forests adjoining North Kanara is the Brown Palm
Civet (Paradoxurus jerdoni) of the hill ranges of South India.
The Common Mungoose (Herpestes edwardsi) inhabits open
scrubland and cultivated area. Lives largely on small animals and is thus
useful. However it is often destructive to poultry. The Ruddy mungoose
(Herpestes smithi) is a forest dweller distinguished from the Common
Mungoose by the black tip to its tail. Though there is no record, the Small
Indian Mungoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) distinguished by its shorter
tail and in the legs being similar in colour to the body is likely to occur in
the North-western districts of the State.
The hyena, Hyaena hyaena (Family Hyaenidae), the sole
representative of the family in India was not uncommon in the State in
earlier years; however it is believed to be on the verge of extinction at
present. Hyenas prefer areas of low hills and ravines and are commoner in
open country than in heavy forests. Though mainly a scavenger it
occasionally takes domestic stock and in exceptional circumstances
becomes dangerous to human life. Hyenas were known to occur in Salsette
Island, Bombay up to about 30 years ago.
Six species of two genera Panthera and Felis of the Family Felidae
occur in the State. The cats as true predators act as controls on other
animal populations. However, with the destruction of both the primary
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