Large-spotted civet

The large-spotted civet (Viverra megaspila) is a viverrid native to Southeast Asia that is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.^[1]

Large-spotted civet
Drawing dated 1884
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Carnivora
Suborder:	Feliformia
Family:	Viverridae
Genus:	Viverra
Species:	V. megaspila
Binomial name
Viverra megaspila Blyth, 1862
Large-spotted civet range

Characteristics

Pocock described the large-spotted civet as varying in colour from silvery-grey to golden-buff or tawny with a black to brown pattern and large or comparatively small spots, which are separated or sometimes fusing into blotches or into vertical stripes behind the shoulders. White bands on the tail are mostly restricted to the sides and lower surface but very seldom form complete rings. Adults measure 30–30.5 in (76–77 cm) in head and body with a 13–15.5 in (33–39 cm) long tail. Its weight ranges from 6.6–8.4 kg (14.5–18.5 lb).^[2]

Distribution and habitat

The large-spotted civet occurs in Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and southern China. In China, it was last sighted in 1998.^[1] It inhabits evergreen, deciduous, and dry dipterocarp forests below elevations of 300 m (980 ft). In Thailand, it occurs in several protected areas as far south as Ranong Province.^[3]

Ecology and behaviour

Data on feeding ecology and behaviour of large-spotted civet do not exist.^[1]

Threats

The large-spotted civet is threatened due to habitat degradation, habitat loss, and hunting with snares and dogs. The population is thought to have been steadily declining throughout the range countries, and in China and Vietnam in particular may have been reduced significantly.^[1] In Chinese and Vietnamese markets, it is in demand as food.^[4]

Taxonomic history

Pocock considered V. megaspila and V. civettina to be distinct species.^[2] Ellerman and Morrison-Scott considered V. civettina a subspecies of V. megaspila.^[5]

References

1. Timmins, R.; Duckworth, J.W.; WWF-Malaysia, Roberton, S.; Gray, T.N.E.; Willcox, D.H.A.; Chutipong, W. & Long, B. (2016). "Viverra megaspila". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T41707A45220097. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T41707A45220097.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
2. Pocock, R. I. (1939). "Moschothera megaspila (Blyth). The Large-spotted Civet". The fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma. Vol. Mammalia Volume 1. London: Taylor and Francis. pp. 356–358.
3. Lynam, A. J.; Maung, M.; Po, S.H.T. & Duckworth, J.W. (2005). "Recent records of Large-spotted Civet Viverra megaspila from Thailand and Myanmar". Small Carnivore Conservation. 32: 8–11.
4. Bell, D.; Roberton, S. & Hunter, P. R. (2004). "Animal origins of SARS coronavirus: possible links with the international trade in small carnivores". Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences. 359 (1447): 1107–1114. doi:10.1098/rstb.2004.1492. PMC 1693393. PMID 15306396.
5. Ellerman, J.R. and Morrison-Scott, T.C.S. (1966). Checklist of Palaearctic and Indian Mammals 1758 to 1946. Second edition. British Museum of Natural History, London.