Quick Links
Quick Links
UPSC Exams
Latest Update
UPSSSC Junior Assistant Admit Card 2025 Fastag Annual Pass 2025 UGC NET Exam Analysis 2025 UGC NET Question Paper 2025 AP LAWCET Result 2025 UGC NET City Slip 2025 UPSC DAF 1 2025 Rajasthan PTET Answer Key 2025 UPSC Prelims Result 2025 UPSC IFS Result 2025 8th Pay Commission Salary Hike News UPSC 2024 Prelims Answer Key UPSC 2026 Calendar UPSC Admit Card 2025 UPSC Prelims Result Date 2025 UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025 UPSC Prelims 2025 Expected Cut Off UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2025 UPSC Final Result 2025 UPSC Topper Shakti Dubey UPSC Application Rejected List 2025 UPSC Application Date Re-Extended UPSC Interview Date 2024 UPSC Notification 2025 UPSC Admit Card 2025 for Prelims UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Question Paper UPSC IFS Notification 2025 Indian Navy MR Result 2025 Indian Navy SSR Result 2025
Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Syllabus
UPSC Notes
Previous Year Papers
UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers Last 25 Years UPSC Prelims Question Papers Last 10 Years UPSC Question Papers UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Question Paper UPSC Mains 2024 Model Answers UPSC 2024 Question Papers UPSC 2023 Question Papers UPSC 2022 Question Papers UPSC 2021 Question Papers UPSC 2020 Question Papers UPSC 2019 Question Papers UPSC 2018 Question Papers UPSC 2017 Question Papers UPSC 2016 Question Papers UPSC 2015 Question Papers UPSC 2014 Question Papers UPSC CSAT Question Papers UPSC IFS Previous Year Paper UPSC Assistant Labour Commissioner Previous Question Year Papers UPSC Combined Geo Scientist Previous Year Paper UPSC APFC Previous Year Question Papers UPSC CMS Previous Year Question Paper UPSC EPFO Previous Year Paper UPSC Air Safety Officer Previous Year Papers UPSC SO Steno Previous Year Paper UPSC IES ISS Previous Year Question Papers
Mock Tests
UPSC Editorial
Bilateral Ties
Albania India Relations India Algeria Relations Andorra India Relations India Angola Relations India Antigua Barbuda Relations India Argentina Relations Austria India Relations India Azerbaijan Relations Bahamas India Relations India Bahrain Relations Barbados India Relations India Belarus Relations Belgium India Relations Belize India Relations Benin India Relations Bolivia India Relations India Bosnia Herzegovina Relations India Botswana Relations Brazil India Relations Brunei India Relations Bulgaria India Relations Burundi India Relations Cabo Verde India Relations India Cambodia Relations India Cameroon Relations Canada India Relations India Cayman Islands Relations India Central African Republic Relations India Chad Relations Chile India Relations India Colombia Relations India Comoros Relations India Democratic Republic Of The Congo Relations India Republic Of The Congo Relations India Cook Islands Relations India Costa Rica Relations India Ivory Coast Relations India Croatia Relations India Cyprus Relations India Czech Republic Relations India Djibouti Relations India Dominica Relations India Dominican Republic Relations India Ecuador Relations India El Salvador Relations India Equatorial Guinea Relations India Eritrea Relations Estonia India Relations India Ethiopia Relations India Fiji Relations India Finland Relations India Gabon Relations India Gambia Relations India Georgia Relations Germany India Relations India Ghana Relations India Greece Relations India Grenada Relations India Guatemala Relations India Guinea Relations India Guinea Bissau Relations India Guyana Relations India Haiti Relations India Holy See Relations India Honduras Relations India Hong Kong Relations India Hungary Relations India Iceland Relations India Indonesia Relations India Iran Relations India Iraq Relations India Ireland Relations India Jamaica Relations India Kazakhstan Relations India Kenya Relations India Kingdom Of Eswatini Relations India Kiribati Relations India Kuwait Relations India Kyrgyzstan Relations India Laos Relations Latvia India Relations India Lebanon Relations India Lesotho Relations India Liberia Relations Libya India Relations Liechtenstein India Relations India Lithuania Relations India Luxembourg Relations India Macao Relations Madagascar India Relations India Malawi Relations India Mali Relations India Malta Relations India Marshall Islands Relations India Mauritania Relations India Micronesia Relations India Moldova Relations Monaco India Relations India Montenegro Relations India Montserrat Relations India Morocco Relations Mozambique India Relations India Namibia Relations India Nauru Relations Netherlands India Relations India Nicaragua Relations India Niger Relations India Nigeria Relations India Niue Relations India North Macedonia Relations Norway India Relations India Palau Relations India Panama Relations India Papua New Guinea Relations India Paraguay Relations Peru India Relations India Philippines Relations Qatar India Relations India Romania Relations Rwanda India Relations India Saint Kitts And Nevis Relations India Saint Lucia Relations India Saint Vincent And Grenadines Relations India Samoa Relations India Sao Tome And Principe Relations Saudi Arabia India Relations India Senegal Relations Serbia India Relations India Sierra Leone Relations India Singapore Relations India Slovak Republic Relations India Slovenia Relations India Solomon Islands Relations Somalia India Relations India South Sudan Relations India Spain Relations India Sudan Relations Suriname India Relations India Sweden Relations India Syria Relations India Tajikistan Relations Tanzania India Relations India Togo Relations India Tonga Islands Relations India Trinidad And Tobago Relations India Tunisia Relations India Turkmenistan Relations India Turks And Caicos Islands Relations India Tuvalu Relations India Uganda Relations India Ukraine Relations India Uae Relations India Uruguay Relations India Uzbekistan Relations India Vanuatu Relations India Venezuela Relations India British Virgin Islands Relations Yemen India Relations India Zambia Relations India Zimbabwe Relations
Books
Government Schemes
Production Linked Incentive Scheme Integrated Processing Development Scheme Rodtep Scheme Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme Saathi Scheme Uday Scheme Hriday Scheme Samagra Shiksha Scheme India Nishta Scheme Stand Up India Scheme Sahakar Mitra Scheme Mdms Mid Day Meal Scheme Integrated Child Protection Scheme Vatsalya Scheme Operation Green Scheme Nai Roshni Scheme Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme Kalia Scheme Ayushman Sahakar Scheme Nirvik Scheme Fame India Scheme Kusum Scheme Pm Svanidhi Scheme Pmvvy Scheme Pm Aasha Scheme Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme Pradhan Mantri Lpg Panjayat Scheme Mplads Scheme Svamitva Scheme Pat Scheme Udan Scheme Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat Scheme National Pension Scheme Ujala Scheme Operation Greens Scheme Gold Monetisation Scheme Family Planning Insurance Scheme Target Olympic Podium Scheme
Topics
NASA Space Missions
NASA Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Redstone 4 (Liberty Bell 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 6 (Friendship 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 7 (Aurora 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 9 (Faith 7) Mission NASA Gemini 3 Mission NASA Gemini 4 Mission NASA Gemini 5 Mission NASA Gemini 7 Mission NASA Gemini 8 Mission NASA Gemini 9 Mission NASA Gemini 10 Mission NASA Gemini 11 Mission NASA Gemini 12 Mission NASA Apollo 1 (AS‑204) Mission NASA Apollo 7 Mission NASA Apollo 8 Mission NASA Apollo 9 Mission NASA Apollo 10 Mission NASA Apollo 11 Mission NASA Apollo 12 Mission NASA Apollo 13 Mission NASA Apollo 14 Mission NASA Apollo 15 Mission NASA Apollo 16 Mission NASA Apollo 17 Mission NASA Skylab Orbital Workshop Mission NASA Skylab 2 Mission NASA Skylab 3 Mission NASA Skylab 4 Mission NASA Apollo–Soyuz Test Project Mission NASA STS‑1 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑3 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑7 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑8 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41B Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41G Discovery (1st female EVA) Mission NASA STS‑51L Challenger (accident) Mission NASA STS‑26 Discovery (Return‑to‑Flight) Mission NASA STS‑31 Discovery (Hubble Launch) Mission NASA STS‑49 Endeavour (first capture EVA) Mission NASA STS‑61 Endeavour (Hubble Servicing 1) Mission NASA STS‑73 Columbia (microgravity) Mission NASA STS‑95 Discovery (John Glenn returns) Mission NASA STS‑107 Columbia (accident) Mission NASA STS‑114 Discovery (RTF‑2) Mission NASA STS‑120 Discovery (Node 2) Mission NASA STS‑125 Atlantis (Final Hubble Service) Mission NASA STS‑132 Atlantis Mission NASA STS‑135 Atlantis (Final Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Artemis I (Orion/ SLS‑1) Mission NASA Artemis II (Planned) Mission NASA Artemis III (Planned lunar landing) Mission NASA Mariner 4 Mission NASA Mariner 6 Mission NASA Mariner 7 Mission NASA Mariner 9 Mission NASA Viking 1 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Mars Pathfinder & Sojourner Mission NASA Mars Global Surveyor Mission NASA 2001 Mars Odyssey Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Spirit Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Opportunity Mission NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission NASA Phoenix Mars Lander Mission NASA InSight Mars Lander Mission NASA Mars 2020 (Perseverance & Ingenuity) Mission NASA Mars Sample Return – SRL (planned) Mission NASA Pioneer 10 Mission NASA Pioneer 11 Mission NASA Voyager 1 Mission NASA Voyager 2 Mission NASA Galileo Jupiter Orbiter/Probe Mission NASA Cassini–Huygens Mission NASA New Horizons (Pluto & KBO) Mission NASA Juno Mission NASA Europa Clipper (planned) Mission NASA Parker Solar Probe Mission NASA Solar Orbiter (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Surveyor 1 Mission NASA Lunar Orbiter 1 Mission NASA Lunar Prospector Mission NASA LCROSS Mission NASA LADEE Mission NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA VIPER Rover (planned) Mission NASA NEAR Shoemaker Mission NASA Deep Space 1 Mission NASA Stardust Mission NASA Genesis Mission NASA Deep Impact Mission NASA Dawn (Vesta/Ceres) Mission NASA OSIRIS‑REx Mission NASA Lucy Mission NASA DART Mission NASA Landsat‑1 (ERTS‑1) Mission NASA Landsat‑5 Mission NASA Landsat‑9 Mission NASA Terra Mission NASA Aqua Mission NASA Aura Mission NASA Suomi NPP Mission NASA Sentinel‑6 Michael Freilich Mission NASA ICESat‑2 Mission NASA GRACE‑FO Mission NASA SMAP Mission NASA GPM Core Observatory Mission NASA CALIPSO Mission NASA CloudSat Mission NASA NISAR (NASA‑ISRO) Mission NASA Explorer 1 Mission NASA COBE Mission NASA Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Mission NASA Hubble Space Telescope Mission NASA Chandra X‑ray Observatory Mission NASA Spitzer Space Telescope Mission NASA WISE Mission NASA Kepler Mission NASA TESS Mission NASA Fermi Gamma‑ray Space Telescope Mission NASA NICER Mission NASA IXPE Mission NASA Roman Space Telescope (planned) Mission NASA NuSTAR Mission NASA GALEX Mission NASA Swift Mission NASA SOHO (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Cluster II (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA TIMED Mission NASA STEREO‑A/B Mission NASA MMS Mission NASA IRIS Mission NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory Mission NASA X‑37B OTV‑1 (USAF/NASA liaison) Mission NASA X‑59 QueSST Mission NASA Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Mission NASA Valkyrie R5 Robot Mission NASA Low‑Boom Flight Demo Mission NASA CRS‑1 Dragon Mission NASA CRS‑1 Cygnus Mission NASA Crew Dragon Demo‑2 Mission NASA Starliner OFT‑2 Mission NASA STS-2 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-4 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-5 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-6 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41D (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-51A (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-61C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-26 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-27 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-29 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-30 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-32 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-34 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-38 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-45 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-60 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-70 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-71 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-73 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-88 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-92 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-97 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-99 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-100 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-104 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-106 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-110 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-112 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-115 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-116 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-117 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-118 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-120 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-122 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-123 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-126 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-130 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Vanguard 1 Mission NASA Transit 1B Mission NASA Echo 1 Mission NASA Telstar 1 Mission NASA Syncom 3 Mission NASA ATS‑6 Mission NASA Skynet Mission NASA Nimbus‑1 Mission NASA Nimbus‑7 Mission NASA ERS-1 Mission NASA SeaSat Mission NASA QuikSCAT Mission NASA Jason‑1 Mission NASA Jason‑3 Mission NASA ICESat Mission NASA Earth Observing‑1 Mission NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory‑2 Mission NASA CYGNSS Mission NASA PACE Mission NASA TRMM Mission NASA Terrestrial Planet Finder (cxl) Mission NASA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Mission NASA Explorer 33 Mission NASA Voyager Interstellar Mission Mission NASA Helios‑A Mission NASA Helios‑B Mission NASA ISEE‑3 (ICE) Mission NASA ACE Mission NASA DSCOVR Mission NASA IBEX Mission NASA Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager Mission NASA SAGE‑III ISS Mission NASA SPACE Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Mission NASA ARIEL (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA OSAM‑1 (Restore‑L) Mission NASA Dragonfly (Titan rotorcraft) Mission NASA VERITAS (Venus orbiter) Mission NASA DAVINCI (Venus probe) Mission NASA SPHEREx Mission NASA MAGGIE (Mars Geophysical) Mission NASA CLPS – Peregrine Mission NASA CLPS – VIPER Delivery Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA Gateway (HALO / PPE) Mission NASA Mars Telecommunication Orbiter (cxl) Mission NASA Mars Polar Lander (MPL) Mission NASA Mars Climate Orbiter Mission NASA Pathfinder Mission Mission NASA SLS Block 1B (Exploration Upper Stage) Mission NASA Orion Crew Module Mission NASA Commercial LEO Destinations – Axiom Station Mission NASA ISS Expedition 1 Mission NASA ISS Expedition 70 Mission NASA CRS‑11 (Dragon) Mission NASA CRS‑21 (Dragon 2) Mission NASA Snoopy CubeSat Mission
Home / IAS Preparation / Malabar Civet

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

Last Updated on May 22, 2025
Also Read Malabar Civet in Hindi
Download As PDF
IMPORTANT LINKS
Agriculture Notes For UPSC Public Administration UPSC Notes Modern History Books For UPSC Overseas Citizen Of India Caste System & Panchayati Raj Godavari River Federalism Indira Point New Development Bank Battle Of Sinhagad Sankalp And Strive Schemes Digital India High Yielding Varieties Economic Growth Development League Of Nations Ease Of Doing Business Mid Day Meal Scheme Wildlife Protection Act 1972 UPSC Notes International Union Conservation Nature

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.

Download the Daily Current Affairs for UPSC here!

GS Paper

General Studies Paper III

Topics for UPSC Prelims

IUCN status, Biodiversity

Topics for UPSC Mains

Conservation of Biodiversity, Impact of habitat destruction and human-wildlife conflict

Why In News?

A rare civet cat, typically found in the Seshachalam forests near Tirumala, was recently spotted near Tadepalli in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. An Asian Palm Civet and five cubs were rescued from a paddy store in Raipur.

Get Free Materials for UPSC Preparation by Testbook!

FREEMentorship Program by
Ravi Kapoor, Ex-IRS
UPSC Exam-Hacker, Author, Super Mentor, MA
100+ Success Stories
Key Highlights
Achieve your Goal with our mentorship program, offering regular guidance and effective exam strategies.
Cultivate a focused mindset for exam success through our mentorship program.
2 Lakh+ Students Mentored Get
Get Free Mentorship Now
UPSC Beginners Program

Get UPSC Beginners Program SuperCoaching @ just

₹50000

Claim for free
Want to know more about this pass ?
Explore SuperCoaching

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)!

- pehlivanlokantalari.com
📚 Exclusive Free UPSC Notes Created by Our Experts
Subjects PDF Link
Download Free Ancient History Notes PDF Created by UPSC Experts Download Link
Grab the Free Economy Notes PDF used by UPSC Aspirants Download Link
Get your hands on the most trusted Free UPSC Environmental Notes PDF Download Link
Exclusive Free Indian Geography PDF crafted by top mentors Download Link
UPSC Toppers’ trusted notes, Now FREE for you. Download the Polity Notes PDF today! Download Link
Thousands of UPSC aspirants are already using our FREE UPSC notes. Get World Geography Notes PDF Here Download Link

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!

Conservation Status of Malabar Civet

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!

Key Takeaways on Malabar Civet For UPSC Aspirants!

Species Profile: The Malabar Civet or Viverra civettina is an Indian, critically endangered, little carnivorous mammal in the Western Ghats.

 

Conservation Status: Listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, with a significant decline in population due to habitat loss and hunting.

 

Habitat Loss: Major causes include deforestation for agriculture, urbanization, and industrial development, which lead to fragmentation of its natural habitat.

 

Poaching Threat: This species is hunted for its musk, which is used in traditional medicine and perfumery, contributing to its dwindling numbers.

Download Malabar Civet Key Takeaways PDF

We hope your doubts regarding the topic have been addressed after going through the above article. Testbook offers good quality preparation material for different competitive examinations. Succeed in your UPSC IAS exam preparations by downloading the Testbook App here!

Subject-wise Prelims Previous Year Questions

Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims

Download Free PDF

Environment PYQ UPSC Prelims

Download Free PDF

Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims

Download Free PDF

Polity PYQ UPSC Prelims

Download Free PDF

Ancient History PYQ UPSC Prelims

Download Free PDF

Art and Culture PYQ UPSC Prelims

Download Free PDF

Medieval History PYQ UPSC Prelims

Download Free PDF

More Articles for IAS Preparation

Malabar Civet UPSC FAQs

The Malabar Civet is not specifically linked to any particular national park as it is fragmented and elusive. However, it occurs in the Western Ghats region, which includes protected areas like Silent Valley National Park and the Western Ghats World Heritage sites.

The Malabar Civet is threatened by habitat destruction, poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and road accidents. These have significantly reduced its population.

Habitat restoration, legal protection under the Wildlife Protection Act, captive breeding programs, community engagement, and ongoing research and monitoring to develop effective conservation strategies.

Malabar large spotted civet, or Viverra civettina, is a critically endangered mammal of the Indian Western Ghats. Its main characteristic features are a black stripe along its back and large black spots.

The Malabar Civet is listed as 'Critically Endangered' on the IUCN Red List; that means it has faced a critically high risk of extinction in the wild.

The Malabar Civet greatly helps in the population check of small mammals and insects, thereby creating a perfect balance in nature. By acting as a predator and scavenger, this species participates in nutrient recycling and proper health of the forests.
Report An Error
Exams Tests Super Practice