LARGE SPOTTED GENET Genetta tigrina

Also called the Rusty Spotted Genet.

Distribution:

They are found in Zimbabwe, Transvaal, Natal, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia and in some areas of the Cape.

Diet:

Their main diet is small rodents, birds, reptiles, insects, scorpions, spiders, bats, frogs, and on the odd occasion grass.

Habitat:

They are found in the wetter areas of Southern Africa, usually near water as well as in woodland.

Habits:

Genets are solitary animals but can sometimes be found with others during mating or if a female has young.

They are almost never seen in the day as they are lying up in holes, thick bush or other suitable sites.

They can squirt a bad smelling scent from their anal glands as a form of defense.

They will adapt their diet according to the seasons, taking advantage of the most available food source.

Genets have retractable claws.

Breeding:

A female will give birth to 2-4 young after a gestation of about 2,5 months.

The young can fend for themselves at an age of roughly 7 or 8 months.

Predators:

They are incredibly quick animals but do fall prey to Owls and to Leopard.