Large-Spotted
Genet (Genetta tigrina)
 Description: A long, white genet with
large black or rusty colored spots on its back (much larger than those
in the Small-spotted genet). Smaller spots occur on the legs and sides
and the shoulders have more bar-like rusty spots. The legs are white or
buffy. The tail has rust or black colored rings with a black tip. The
muzzle is pointed with brown on either side and white on the chin.
White patches occur below the eyes as well as white running up the
forehead. The ears are large and rounded.
Size: Males are
larger weighing around 2kg and females weighing 1.8kg. The total body
length ranges from 84-108cm and the tail ranges from 39-54cm.
Habitat:
Large-spotted genets inhabit forests, preferring areas with more water.
They can also be found in plantations and in areas with exotic trees.
Fearless of human developments it also occurs near dwellings and
sometimes even visits buildings.
Behavior: The
Large-spotted genet is nocturnal and is most active between sunset and
early morning hours. It will spend most of the day sheltered in rock
crevices, fallen logs or other such secretive places. The Large-spotted
genet is a good climber but mainly locates prey from the ground. When
threatened, it will flee into a tree. It hunts like most other cats by
stalking the prey and pouncing, but kills with several bites rather
than one fatal bite to the neck. It is mainly solitary living in large
home ranges and uses musky scent marks to establish territorial
boundaries.
Diet: Insects and
small mammals make up the bulk of the diet, but the Large-spotted genet
will take frogs, birds and even fruit. It has been known to raid
poultry.
Predators:
Predators of genets include servals, caracals, and leopards.
Reproduction:
Females give birth after a 70 day gestation period to litters up to
five young. Young are born during the months of August through March
and are full grown at 11 months.
On Wildcliff:
Genets are hard to observe but are usually seen when crossing roads.
They have been seen along the Wildcliff entry road and along the Talari
stream.
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