The viverrids is a family of small to medium-sized mammals which currently contains 38 species. Commonly known as civets, genets and linsangs, these animals are found in South and Southeast Asia, Africa and parts of southern Europe. Most species are omnivores, with the palm civet being almost completely herbivorous.
Most species in the family Herpestidae are commonly known as mongoose, with one species commonly called the meerkat, and another four going by the common name kusimanse. Mongoose morphologically resemble mustelids, but this is the result of convergent evolution, rather than pointing to close family ties. Found in Africa and southern Eurasia they are active during the day (diurnal), as opposed to the nocturnal viverrids. Some species live solitary lives, but several popular natural history shows have focused on species that live in groups.
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