Malabar Large-spotted Civet

This elusive dusky gray carnivore is found only within the Western Ghats mountain range of India. The Malabar Large-spotted Civet is distinguished by the bold dark markings on its back and sides, which appear more defined than those of the large Indian civet. It features a white throat, a dark cheek patch, and two black lines crossing the neck. A prominent mane begins between its shoulders, while its tail is marked by dark rings. One male specimen measured 76 cm from head to body with a 33 cm tail and weighed 6.6 kg.

Historically, this species occupied forests and wooded lowlands along the Malabar coast from Honnavar to Kanyakumari. More recently, sightings have occurred in Kerala within cashew and rubber plantations. These sites offer a thick undergrowth of grasses and shrubs where the animals can remain hidden. As a nocturnal creature, its habits are difficult to observe, though it is known to be a generalist hunter. In the past, people in Kerala kept these civets in captivity to harvest civetone from their scent glands for use in perfumes and medicine.

The population is now extremely small, with estimates suggesting fewer than 250 mature individuals remain. No confirmed records were made during surveys conducted between 1990 and 2014. Survival is primarily threatened by the destruction and fragmentation of its natural habitat. Large-scale clearing of land for rubber trees has eliminated much of the dense cover it requires. Outside of protected regions, the species also faces significant pressure from hunting.