Small Indian Civets

• Small Indian civets are known to occur in south and central China, Hong Kong, most of India, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam, Cambodia and Sri Lanka. 
• They are recorded in semi-evergreen and deciduous forest, mixed deciduous forest, bamboo forest, scrubby areas, grasslands and riverine habitat.
• In India, they are absent in the high Himalayan range and found in the rest of the country. 
• Their diet mainly includes fruits, roots, reptiles, amphibians, smaller birds etc.
• IUCN status: Least Concern, Poaching or hunting of the small Indian civet is prohibited under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Why in the news?

• Two kittens of small Indian Civets have been rescued from the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.

References:

1. https://www.thainationalparks.com/species/small-indian-civet
2. https://www.pugdundeesafaris.com/blog/civets-of-india/
3. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/three-small-indian-civets-recovered-in-east-godavari/article34418283.ece