VIVERRID

any member of the family Viverridae, small mammals, order Carnivora, including the civets and mongooses. All are native to the Old World; they evolved from Eurasian forms in the Eocene or Oligocene epochs and later spread throughout Africa. Most have slender bodies with long tails and short legs terminating in four- or five-toed feet. Their necks and heads are typically elongated, their muzzles tapering, their ears small, and their dentition varied (3240 teeth). Most species have anal scent glands. Some viverrids are nocturnal, some diurnal; they feed principally on small animals and vegetable matter. Many species bear two annual litters, each containing two to four young. Life expectancy ranges from 5 to 15 years. For more information on viverrid species and groups, see binturong; civet; fossa; genet; linsang; mongoose; suricate.