The Cape genet, aka South African large-spotted genet, may share similar traits to felines, but they are actually more closely related to mongooses and civets. These critters face the threats of roads and railroads, that divide their territory and can result in vehicle strike (being hit by vehicles); hunting, in retaliation for killing poultry; trapping, for sale as pets; and accidental & deliberate poisoning. However, they are abundant enough to be listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Their population trend is listed as stable.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Genetta tigrina
Weight: Up to 4.6 lbs.
Length: Up to 23 inches, plus up to a 18.1 inch tail
Height: Up to 8.2 inches, at the shoulders
Lifespan: Up to 22 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) Like all genets, they have musk glands and anal sacs that are used for marking their territory and for defense.
2.) Their range extends from the Western Cape through KwaZulu-Natal to the Lesotho border.
3.) These critters prefer to dwell in moist environments close to streams, rivers and, standing water, in lowland and mountain fynbos (shrubland/heathland in South Africa’s Cape region, known for its fine bushes) where vegetation cover is prevalent.
4.) These creatures are solitary and spend the day resting high up in the trees.
5.) They are both arboreal (spend all or part of their lives in trees) and terrestrial (spend all or part of their lives on the ground).
But wait, there’s more on the Cape genet!
6.) Genets are nocturnal (active at night).
7.) Vocalizations consist of growls and hisses.
Did you know…?
Cape genets are sometimes kept as exotic pets. However, they have special needs and a zoological permit is often times required to own 1 or more.
8.) Rats, mice, birds, beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, termites, spiders, scorpions, beached fish, seeds, leaves, and grass are all feasted upon.
9.) Females undergo up to a 70 day gestation (pregnancy) that yields up to 2 kits.
10.) Cape genets have been recorded in numerous protected areas. Outside reserves however they are unprotected, and not listed in the South African Red Data Book nor any CITES appendices.
Now a Short Cape Genet Video!
This video talks about genets in general.
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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
Photo credit: Justin Ponder
