African palm civet

African palm civets (Nandinia binotata) are most prevalent in East Africa's forests. Obviously, the typical refuge for one is a tree, and here they spend the bulk of their time. They weigh 1.7 to 2.1 kilograms. An African palm civet has a colored coat that is mottled, blending with the trees and the darkness caused by the leaves.. Its eyes are a combination of green and yellow, while the pupils are very near the hairline's area. The African palm civet's tail is not exactly unique, but it sure is a useful thing to them. This tail is as long as its body, and could be used as a brace. The African palm civet's limbs (all 4) are strong, and the joints are flexible. Toes and the palms possess pads, acting as a friction "maker" when the hind limbs carry the weight. All told, a cat and this civet resemble each other, in more ways than one.

They are basically solitary, and they move about from dusk and also few hours prior to dawn, and the only occasion where they would join each other is if the female African palm civet has newborns/young. Records show that there were sightings in the past where a dozen to fifteen members were all together, but from all indications, these were due to the food availability and not really because of any need to socialize.

What do they survive on is the question: birds, fruits, pineapples, carrion, eggs, insects and even rodents. They are not exactly "hunters" in the true meaning of the word, they would not chase an adult bird for example. Still, they could go to a hen's cage and go for the "fast kill", so to speak. A prey in their hands (literally) would be killed via a succession of deadly bites, while small birds...well, they just swallow them whole- it makes us wonder what they do if they choke on this one time swallow.

Interesting fact: A female gives out milk from as many teats as she has newborns. These newborns actually purr when they suck on the nipple, akin to a kitten.

Picture of the African Palm Civet by subhumanfreak, licensed under GFDL