The small-spotted genet, found in more arid regions, is recognized by a prominent dorsal crest running from shoulder to tail. Its spots are round and elongated. The forest genet lacks a dorsal crest and has a coat with spaced-out, elongated spots. The large-spotted genet has a smaller dorsal crest than its small-spotted relative and is the most widely distributed of the three species. Similar to the civet, the genet produces secretions conveying messages about sexual, social or territorial behavior. When angry, frightened or injured, the genet can squirt a foul-smelling substance that deters enemies. Genets also have retractable claws adapted to climbing and catching prey.
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Several types of genets occur in East Africa, including the forest species, the arid-area species and the most widely distributed species, Genetta tigrina, which is found in a variety of habitats.
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Genets are mainly nocturnal but are often spotted during the day in the rainy season. Although considered arboreal, they spend much time on the ground hunting prey and taking shelter in escarpments and rocky outcrops. Genets can squeeze their slender, flexible bodies through any opening larger than their head. They also climb trees to hunt nesting or roosting birds. Female genets are thought to be territorial, as they generally return to the same area if captured and released, while males do not.
Adult genets are solitary except during periods of courtship or when a female is accompanied by her young. A female may have up to two litters a year with two to four young in each. Kittens are born in a burrow; their eyes and ears are shut at birth and do not open for about 10 days. They receive their first solid food at about 6 weeks, but they are nursed a few weeks longer.
Genets mature in 2 years and live about 8 years in the wild. Much longer life spans have been recorded in captivity.
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The genet is classified as a carnivore, but it actually is omnivorous and will eat whatever is most available. This can be small mammals (especially rodents, shrews and bats), birds, and their eggs, frogs, millipedes, centipedes, scorpions and various fruit. Genets have the reputation of being wasteful killers, often eating just the head or breast of their prey. Some species have adapted to cultivated areas and human settlements, where they have developed a taste for poultry.
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Some genets have adapted to cultivated areas and human settlements, where they have developed a taste for poultry. In these cases, genets are hunted as pests.
Did You Know?
- Female genets are thought to be territorial, as they generally return to the same area if captured and released, while males do not.
- The genet arches its back and grooms itself in much the same way as a cat. It also purrs, hisses, spits and meows, but makes an uncatlike "churring" sound when distressed.
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