Large- and small-spotted genet

(Genetta tigrina & Genetta genetta)

lion
 

Shoulder height:

±50cm / 19.7in

Weight:

1.5-3.2kg / 3.5-7lbs

Food:

Mainly invertebrates and rodents, but also birds, other small mammals and wild fruits

Habitat:

Generally very adaptable to habitats, but large-spotted genet prefers dense areas with lots of water

Social behaviour:

Solitary

Active:

Predominantly at night

Sightings:

Relatively common on night drives


A genet is a small mongoose-like mammal with stunning dark spots and stripes over its light-grey body. The two species, the large- and small-spotted genet, look virtually the same, except for the tail-tip colour. The large-spotted genet has a black tail-tip while the small-spotted genet has a white tail-tip.

They are often seen on night drives, but are very active and will disappear in tall grass and thickets before they are clearly seen. The best sighting you can expect of a genet is in camp, where they sometimes become tame.


Back to main mammals page


How to find genets in the Kruger National Park:

Genets
...are generally seen on guided night drives where the light from a spotlight picks up the reflection in their eyes.

Berg-en-Dal camp is one of the best camps to see genets at night, especially in the campsite. They also visit Maroela camp.



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