The common genet is a slender, cat-like carnivore, recognized by a crest of long, black hairs that runs from the shoulders, along the back to the base of the tail, which can be erected when threatened. The rest of the fur on its elongated body is pale yellowish-brown with about three to four rows of dark spots running horizontally across the body, while the long, often white-tipped tail is patterned with between 8 and 13 black rings. The common genet has a rather large head, rounded ears, brown eyes, and whitish patches beneath the eyes and near the tip of the pointed muzzle. Like a cat, the common genet has retractable claws, enabling it to climb trees with agility. The male common genet tends to be larger than the female.

Widespread species, occurring on the northern Saharan fringe (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Lybia), and then in open and dry savanna zones throughout sub-Saharan Africa in three large blocks, corresponding roughly to West Africa, East Africa and southern Africa (Delibes and Gaubert in press). Also occurs in coastal regions of Arabia, Yemen and Oman (Harrison and Bates 1991); records from Palestine are in error (Kock 1983).

For Europe, Delibes (1999) lists this species as occurring in all of continental Portugal and Spain, and most of France (mainly south of Loire River and west of the Rhone River). It is also found on the Mediterranean islands of Majora, Ibiza, and Cabrera (Balearic Islands) (Delibes 1999). There are also scattered records from Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, and north-west Italy (Delibes 1999). This species is generally considered to have been introduced to Europe and the Balearic islands (Delibes 1999). It has been recorded to 2,600 m in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco (Cuzin 2003) and at least 3,000 m asl in the Ethiopian Highlands (Admasu et al. 2004)

The common or European genet is native to northern Africa and has also spread to Europe.

Biogeographic Regions: palearctic (Native ); ethiopian (Native )

2 records, no dates.

Localized (south-west and south-east Eastern Desert). AOO=8.4 km². 2 locations.

Widespread (whole of Africa, extending to southwestern Europe & Middle East).

Genets are long, lean carnivores with a tail usually at least as long as the body. They appear catlike, except for their longer faces. They usually have a dark spotted or marbling pattern over a cream to buff colored background. Their fur is incredibly soft. They have semi-retractable claws. They are extremely flexible and can enter very small spaces.

Range mass: 1 to 3 kg.

Male length: 86 - 105 cm; Female length: 84 - 102 cm; Tail length: 33 - 51 cm; Weight1.4 - 2.5 kg.

Provisionally allocated by Osborn & Helmy (1980) to ssp senegalensis Fischer.

Habitat and Ecology

Systems

• Terrestrial

Common genets prefer drier areas than other members of the genus. They prefer forests, as they are excellent and agile climbers.

Terrestrial Biomes: savanna or grassland ; forest ; scrub forest

The common genet favours dry areas such as rocky hills and Mediterranean woodland where crevices in the rocks and trees provide food, shelter and protection from predators. It tends to live where there are high densities of its favoured prey, the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus).

Genets are carnivorous and eat most small animals that they can catch, such as rats, mice, insects, small reptiles, and birds.

The common genet is primarily a nocturnal animal, although young genets may be active during the day. Adult common genets tend to live alone, although the home pages of a male and female often overlap. It prefers to remain in areas where it is protected by vegetation, especially woodland, and only ventures into open areas for hunting. Being carnivorous, the common genet feeds on a wide variety of small mammals and birds, but has a particular preference for wood mice.

Female common genets typically give birth to between one and four offspring after a gestation period of approximately ten to eleven weeks. The cubs emerge from the den at about 45 days old and start to eat meat after 7 weeks. Common genets can reproduce after reaching sexual maturity at about two years old. The lifespan of the common genet is about 13 years in captivity, but is likely to be shorter in wild populations.

Common genets have a number of different vocal calls, each used in certain situations. The ‘hiccup’ call is normally used by the mother and her offspring during the first five months, while the ‘purr’ call is used by offspring in their first week of life, and the ‘moan’ or ‘mew’ call is displayed by newly-dependent young genets. There are two types of aggressive calls: the ‘growl’, heard from young genets after they have developed hunting behavior, while the ‘click’ call communicates serious threats.  

Average lifespan

Status: captivity: 21.6 years.

Average lifespan

Status: captivity: 14.0 years.

Average lifespan

Sex: female

Status: captivity: 13.0 years.

Average lifespan

Status: captivity: 34.0 years.

Maximum longevity: 22.7 years (captivity) Observations: They appear to attain adult weight at about 2 years of age. One captive female was sexually mature at 4 years of age (Ronald Nowak 1999), but anecdotal reports suggest they may become sexually mature at earlier ages. In captivity, one male was at least 22.7 years old when he died (Richard Weigl 2005). There is one report suggesting they may live up to 34 years (David Macdonald 1985), which is unlikely.

Genet females come into heat during the wet season(s). Copulation, which follows a foreplay lasting up to an hour, takes only five minutes, during which both the male and the female utter "meows." Gestation is usually 10-11 weeks long, and the female usually gives birth to one to three kittens. Young are born blind and helpless. They are weaned around eight weeks, though they take small amounts of solid food before that. Kits are sexually mature at two years.

Average birth mass: 77.75 g.

Average gestation period: 78 days.

Average number of offspring: 2.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)

Sex: female: 1479 days.

The common genet is still plentiful throughout its range and seems to have little to fear in the future.

CITES: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

Native, resident ?

Data Deficient.

Very rare.

Population

Population Trend

Major Threats

Conservation Actions

Genets occasionally consume game birds and poultry, but hardly do enough damage to be considered a threat to either.

Genets help keep vermin populations down, and since they often live on the edges of a human community, this helps alleviate pest problems with crops.