Small-Spotted
Genet (Genetta genetta)
 Description: This genet is cat-like in
appearance with a light to buffy ground color and rusty spots. Like the
Large-spotted genet, it also has black bars on the top of the shoulders
and a black ringed tail. The tip of the tail is white. The facial
patterns are distinct with black on the cheeks and white toward the tip
of the muzzle. The chin is dark colored and white patches occur below
the eyes. The legs are dark in coloration (as compared to the
Large-spotted genet which has light colored legs). The claws are
protractile.
Size: Males are
slightly larger than females averaging from 86-105cm total body length
and tail length is around 45cm. Males weigh a little more than females
at 1.9kg, females weighing 1.8kg.
Habitat:
Small-spotted genets inhabit the fynbos as well as woodlands,
scrublands and along rivers in arid habitats.
Behavior: They are
strictly nocturnal, spending their days under shelter. Shelter usually
includes rock crevices, or dense vegetation cover. They are agile
climbers, but frequently hunt on the ground and mostly climb trees when
threatened. They are mostly solitary animals but will travel with
family groups. Prey is killed by a pouncing action and many bites to
the neck.
Diet: These genets
have a varied diet, anywhere from insects to small rodents, bushbabies,
birds (feathers and all), eggs, reptiles, fruit and crabs.
Predators:
Caracals, servals and leopards prey on the Small-spotted genet.
Reproduction: After
a 70 day gestation period, females give birth to one to four young. The
eyes open around eight days and are weaned by nine weeks.
On Wildcliff:
Small-spotted genets have been found during trapping efforts near the
Talari stream, the first one spotted in June 2008.
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