Here's a breakdown of their distribution:
* African Civets: Found in sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to South Africa.
* Asian Civets: Found in Southeast Asia, including countries like India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
* European Civets: The only European civet species, the European Genet, is found in the Iberian Peninsula, parts of France, Italy, and the Balkan Peninsula.
They prefer diverse habitats, including:
* Forests: Both deciduous and evergreen forests are suitable habitats.
* Scrublands: Dry and open scrublands provide cover and prey.
* Grasslands: Some species can be found in open grasslands, especially near forested areas.
* Agricultural areas: Civet cats can adapt to human-modified landscapes and are often found near farmland.
* Urban areas: Some civet cats have adapted to urban environments, especially in Asia.
However, specific species have specific ranges and habitat preferences. For example, the Asian Palm Civet is primarily found in Southeast Asia, while the African Civet is more widespread in sub-Saharan Africa.
It's important to note that civet cats are adaptable animals and their range may continue to expand as they adapt to new environments.