The African civet is a small, lithe-bodied, mostly nocturnal mammal native to Africa and Asia, especially the tropical forests. The average lifespan of an African civet is fifteen to twenty years. Mating occurs in the warm and wet summer months from August to January. This time is favored because of the large populations of insects.

Females create a nest which is normally in dense vegetation and commonly in a hole dug by another animal. Females are polyestrous and can have up to three litters per year. Female African civets normally give birth to one to four young. The young are born in advanced stages compared to most carnivores. They are covered in a dark, short fur and can crawl at birth. The young leave the nest after eighteen days but are still dependent on the mother for milk and protection for another two months.

The African Civet is solitary, except when breeding. Knowledge of the habits of the civets is limited because they are nocturnal and have a secretive lifestyle. They mark their territories and advertise their presence by frequently rubbing secretions from the perineal glands on objects about 350 mm above ground.