Malabar Civet: Characteristics, Habitat & Conservation Status - UPSC Notes

The Malabar Civet is commonly referred to as the Malabar Large-Spotted Civet, a nocturnal mammal found in the Western Ghats of India. As an animal with a particular spotted coat and shy demeanor, it has attracted the eye of conservationists, due to its critically endangered nature. The protection and further research on the Malabar Civet are essential to ensuring biodiversity and ecological balance in the habitat of its original existence.

This article on the Malabar Civet is pertinent to the UPSC Civil Services Examination under General Studies Paper III, which covers Biodiversity, Environment, and Conservation. An in-depth knowledge of endemic species, their ecological significance, threats they face, and conservation efforts is essential for understanding broader environmental challenges and policy-making processes.

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About the Malabar Civet

The Malabar Civet (Viverra civettina) is a rare and elusive member of the Viverridae family. It was first described in the 19th century and is identified mainly by its distinct physical features, including a strong body, dotted fur, and a marked stripe along its back. It is one of the Western Ghats' native carnivorous mammals, which are considered a biodiversity hotspot in India. The scientific community has grown to show much interest in this species since it is critically endangered and urgently requires measures to address the reasons that are causing the decline of its population.

Characteristics of Malabar Civet

The Malabar Civet is a critically endangered, nocturnal mammal native to the Western Ghats of India. It has a long body, short limbs, and distinctive dark stripes on a greyish coat. Known for its elusive nature, it primarily inhabits evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. Its population has drastically declined due to habitat loss and hunting.

Some distinct characteristics of Malabar Civet are different from those of other civets, which include:

• Physical Appearance: Its stout body is covered with very harsh fur, with large black spots. Its fur has various shades of gray to dark brownish-gray. Importantly, it has an almost vertical black stripe, usually running along the spine, from the head to the tail.
• Size: Malabar Civet measures about 60 to 70 cm in body size, while the tail length of this species is added, measuring around 45 to 50 cm. Adults vary from 7 to 9 kg in weight.
• Behavior: This species is considered nocturnal and solitary where most activities are at nighttime. The species possesses exceptional senses of smell and hearing, helping it hunt and look for food at night.

Read the article on the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP)!

Habitat and Distribution of Malabar Civet

The Malabar Civet is found only in the Western Ghats of India, particularly in Kerala. It prefers lowland tropical rainforests and dense evergreen habitats. Due to rapid deforestation and urban expansion, its natural habitat has been severely fragmented, making sightings extremely rare.

• Historically, Malabar Civet was spread out across the coastal plains and lowland forests of Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa. However, habitat destruction has considerably reduced its distribution. 
• It is now found in scattered patches along the foothills of the Western Ghats.
• The Malabar Civet prefers dense understory vegetation in tropical forest ecosystems.
• Besides, it is reported from agricultural lands, specifically from coconut and arecanut plantations, that can provide cover and food.
• The current sightings and studies reflect a severely fragmented and restricted range within the states of Kerala and parts of Karnataka. 
• Sightings are very rare since the population density is highly low.

Read the article on the Loss of Biodiversity!

Ecology and Behavior of Malabar Civet

The Malabar Civet is very important in the ecosystem, mainly because it serves as a predator for small animals and insects, thereby helping to regulate the populations of prey and maintaining ecological balance.

• Diet: Malabar Civet eats small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and vegetation. It is an opportunistic feeder, and it modifies its diet according to the seasons.
• Reproductive Behavior: Since it is a shy species, not much is known about its breeding habits. But its gestation period would be almost the same as the other civet species that takes 60 to 80 days.
• Territorial Behavior: The species is territorial, and every individual has a specific range. Scent glands are used in marking territories to establish the domain.

Read the article on the Global Biodiversity Outlook Report!

Threats Faced by the Malabar Civet

The Malabar Civet faces critical threats from habitat destruction due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urbanization. Poaching and accidental capture in traps also endanger its survival. Its restricted range and low population make conservation efforts even more challenging. The Malabar Civet faces several anthropogenic threats that have contributed to its declining population:

• Habitat Destruction: The Malabar Civet has experienced massive habitat loss and fragmentation through rapid deforestation for agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development.
• Poaching and Hunting: It has been hunted extensively because its musk is used for traditional medicines and perfumes. Locals may hunt the species for food.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Human encroachment into forested areas have caused conflicts, which often take the form of killing it.
• Road Accidents: Expanding road networks into its habitat has increased the possibilities of roadkills, with more threats to the species.

Read the article on the Biological Diversity Act 2002!

The Malabar Civet is listed as 'Critically Endangered' on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This classification indicates that the species faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. In India, the Malabar Civet is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which gives it the highest level of protection against hunting and trade.

Several conservation efforts have been undertaken for the Malabar Civet:

• Habitat Restoration: Restoration and protection of the natural habitats of the Malabar Civet are being done. This is through reforestation and preventing further deforestation.
• Captive Breeding Programs: Captive breeding programs have been initiated. This is due to the elusive nature of the species, and it has been challenging.
• Community Engagement: The importance of the Malabar Civet to local communities needs to be raised and involved in the process of conservation.
• Research and Monitoring: Continuous research for better understanding of the ecology, behavior, and population dynamics of the species will guide the conservation strategies.

Read the article on the IUCN Red List!

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