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SMALL SPOTTED GENET
Genetta genetta

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Kingdom: Animalia
    Phylum:   Chordata
        Class:      Mammalia
            Order:     Carnivora
                Family:    Viverridae
                     Genus:    Genetta
                        Species:  genetta

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Description:

            The small spotted genet, or common genet, is a small cat-like mammal. From head to tail, the small spotted genet is approximately 40 in (100cm) in length, and weighs around 2-7 lbs (1-3 kg.). The medium to short length coat can be found in shades from tan to gray. The coat is spotted with small black spots formed in rows. These spots may be located close together and form what looks like solid lines. Each genet has a unique pattern. The tail is ringed, and makes up approximately half of the total body length. The face of Genetta genetta is slightly elongated. The muzzle is black, ringed with white around mouth and eye area. The eyes are large and round and face forward. They have short stout legs and large ears. When frightened or excited, small spotted genets are able to erect a mane of hair along their neck and back. Genets have 5 digits per foot and the soles of each foot is furred. Like a cat’s the claws are retractile. Like all Viverids, small spotted genets have anal scent glands used for marking and as a predator deterrent.

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Range:

          Small spotted genets are found from North Africa (except the Sahara), central-eastern Africa, and southwestern Africa. They have also spread into Europe, living in parts of Spain, Portugal, and France.

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Lifestyle:

      Small spotted genets are solitary. They live in all types of habitats, but prefer dry forests and dry grasslands. The genet is an excellent tree climber and can often be found during the day lounging in trees to escape a predator’s notice. Genets have a large range, however, differing sex territories will overlap.  Mating pairs and mother’s with young are often seen, but this must not be mistaken for a group of social animals. Defecation usually occurs in a few spots in the individuals range, mainly at the borders of their territory.

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Diet:

          Genetta genetta is a carnivore. Their usual diet consists of small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, eggs, fish, invertebrates, and occasionally, small amounts of wild fruit. Genets will usually take their prey to a hiding spot to consume their meal in private.

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Reproduction:

            The breeding season of the small spotted genet occurs only during the rainy seasons. Males and females will utter high-pitched meows during copulation, which last approximately five minutes. However, foreplay before and after can last up to an hour. Once the female has ended her estrus cycle, she is left alone to care for the developing young. After a gestation period of about 10-12 weeks, 1-3 kittens are born. They are blind and deaf when born. They nurse and stay with the mother for a period of 7-8 months before defending themselves. Maturity is reached at 2 years. Genets have a lifespan of approximately 8-10 years.

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STATUS:

          Small spotted genets are not endangered. In fact in many areas they are bred to kept as pets, pest control., and even used in hunting ranches for sport. There are currently no breeding programs developed in AZA accredited zoos.

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SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON THE WEB:

The Lioncrushers domain, genet website (picture credit)

The Djuma Game Reserve mammal gallery genet website

The African Wildlife Foundation genet website

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For additional information, contact the Small Carnivore TAG Education Liaison

This page created by Jennifer Steinruck, PJC Zoo Tech student, Fall 2001