The civet (Viverridae) are a family of carnivorous animals similar to the cats. They inhabit tropical Asia and North Africa and are celebrated for producing a scented substance used in perfume. Research Civet
The fossa or Foussa (Cryptoprocta ferox) is a large carnivorous mammal found only in Madagascar. It is about the size of an otter, but is related to the civet and mongoose. It is brown in colour, has a long tail, short legs, teeth like a cat's and lives mainly in trees feeding on birds and small mammals. Research Fossa
The genet or genette (Genetta) is a small digitigrade carnivorous mammal, allied to the civet, of the family Viverridae. It differs from the civet in its smaller size, more elongated body, and shorter limbs, as well as in the absence of a pouch for storing the secretion. The tail is long, and the fur short and soft, and usually spotted. The teeth are compressed and sharply pointed. The common genette is found in France and Spain and Africa, other species are all African. Genets were once used in Constantinople (Istanbul) to catch rats. Research Genet
Ichneumon (Herpestes) is a genus of digiti-grade carnivorous animals belonging to the civet family. They have a long slender body, a sharp and pointed muzzle, and short legs. The most celebrated species, Herpestes Ichneumon, inhabits Egypt, where it is called Pharaoh's rat. It was adored by the ancient Egyptians on account of its antipathy to crocodiles, whose eggs it digs out of the sand and sucks. It is expert in seizing snakes by the neck so as to avoid any injury to itself. It is domesticated in Egypt, and more useful than a cat in destroying rats and mice. Their disadvantage, as domestic animals, is their predilection for poultry. The mongoose, or Indian ichneumon, is another species, not so large as the Egyptian, which it resembles in habits, being kept in many families as a useful domestic animal. Research Ichneumon
Abbreviations
Research Civet
