Conservation Status:
Large-spotted genet (Genetta tigrina)
Forest genet (Genetta servalina)
Common genet (Genetta genetta)
4.5 lb.
Approximately 20 in. long
About 8 years in the wild
Various
Omnivorous
About 75 days
Owls, leopards, pythons, humans
Genets are dispersed throughout Africa and are found across a variety of habitats that have dense vegetation—including woodlands, savannas, and forests.
Tags: Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Namibia, Niger, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, East Africa, Southern Africa, West/Central Africa, Kilimanjaro, Limpopo, Samburu, Cameroon, Genet View Africa | Habitat
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. Genets also have retractable claws adapted to climbing and catching prey.
Although classified as a carnivore, the genet is omnivorous and will eat what is most readily available. This can include small mammals—especially rodents, shrews, and bats—birds and their eggs, frogs, millipedes, centipedes, scorpions, and various fruits.
Genets are considered arboreal and climb trees to hunt birds; however, they also spend much time on the ground hunting prey and taking shelter in escarpments and rocky outcrops. They are able to squeeze their flexible bodies through any opening larger than their heads.
Adult genets are solitary except during periods of courtship or when young genets accompany their mothers. 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 open after about 10 days. They receive their first solid food at about six weeks, but they continue to nurse for a few weeks longer.
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.
Due to human population growth and expanding communities, some genets have adapted to cultivated areas and human settlements, where they have developed a taste for poultry, thereby causing people to kill them in retaliation.
Our solutions to protecting the genet:
African Wildlife Foundation works with communities living in close proximity to wildlife to incentivize conservation. In exchange for refraining from retaliatory killing or hunting for bushmeat, communities receive training.
AWF has a long history of working with pastoralist communities to improve sustainable livelihoods. In Tanzania and Kenya, AWF, with funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), launched the Livestock for Livelihoods program. The program aims to eradicate poverty among pastoralist communities while simultaneously protecting landscapes and wildlife. The revenue reduces pressure on the landscape by reducing the need for farming and charcoal burning, thereby freeing more space for wildlife like the genet.
Will you show genets your support?
With your help, AWF can continue working to on critical initiatives like providing training for sustainable agriculture and providing alternative livelihoods for communities. Donate for a cause that will help with wildlife conservation and ensure the genet does not become an endangered species.
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