Nothing much is known about its habits and habitat due to lack of studies. Malabar Civet has been 'rare' since the time of its recognition as a species. It is distributed in the southern Western Ghats, especially in Kerala. It is known to be a nocturnal generalist carnivore feeding mainly on rodents. 

Conservation Status:

This species is listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (https://www.iucnredlist.org/).


According to IUCN Red List assessment, the population of this species has declined drastically. Close to 90% of the existing population is exterminated in 4-5 decades. Current estimate of its population is 249 individuals although there are no sightings, confiscated animal part, camera trap pictures or any other indirect evidences after year 1990. Some reports also consider this species as Extinct. The threats to its survival come mainly from hunting and trapping for civeton and skin. Other anthropogenic activities such as habitat destruction by agriculture and extensive plantation.