Common genet
Genetta genetta
Key identification features
A cat sized carnivore with a long slender body and a very pointy muzzle and long ears. It has a very long striped bushy tail usually with a white tip. A dark line runs across its back and small dark brown or black spots are arranged in rows along its body. HB 40-55 cm. Wt 1.3-2.25 kg.
Habitat and social behaviour
It occurs in dry savannah and open country. It is nocturnal and solitary.
Similar species
The common genet is the only genet with a white tipped tail. It has smaller spots then the large spotted genet. The orientation of the spots is more in rows than the spots of the miombo and servaline genet. It is the only genet found in dry open savannah.
Distribution Map
Photo gallery
See also
Large spotted genet (Blotched or Rusty-spotted) · Servaline genet · Miombo genet (Angolan genet)