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Cape genet

Mammals

The Cape genet, also known as the South African large-spotted genet, is a genet endemic to South Africa, ranging from the Western Cape to KwaZulu-Natal south of 32 degrees south and to the Lesotho border. It is ash grey with irregular brown spots and a black stripe along the spine, a white muzzle with white spots below the eye, and a black and white banded tail with a black tip, and it differs from other genets in having a short dorsal crest and poorly spotted hind legs. Adult males measure 460 to 580 millimetres in head and body length and weigh 1.6 to 2.1 kilograms. It is nocturnal and arboreal, resting by day in large trees, rock overhangs and caves, and favours moist riparian zones and fynbos near water. It eats rodents and birds, insects and some plant matter, and is an opportunistic omnivore. It is common and listed as Least Concern.

Facts
Classification
Diet
Omnivore 1
System (Realm)
Terrestrial 2
Threats
Other or No Known Threats 2
Relationship to People
Kept as Pets 2
Relationship to People
Agricultural or Structural Pest 2
Living or Extinct
Yes 2
Conservation Status
Least Concern 2
Body Size Band
Medium 3
Activity Pattern
Nocturnal 1
Lifespan
21.3 3
Comparison
CITES Appendix
Not Listed 1
Connections

Child Taxon Of

Genetta, Taxa
Source Cape genet (Wikipedia)

In Biome

Riparian Zone, Biomes
Source Cape genet (Wikipedia)
In the Other Atlases

Found In

South Africa

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Source Cape genet (Wikipedia)Lead
Quote, Lead
The Cape genet (Genetta tigrina), also known as the South African large-spotted genet, is a genet species endemic to South Africa.
Sources
1. Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Genetta tigrina (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
  • Behavior, key behaviors
    nocturnal
  • Food Habits
    Cape genets are omnivorous, due to their diverse, generalist diet that changes seasonally.
  • Conservation Status, CITES
    CITES No special status
View the Source
2. Cape genet (Wikipedia)
  • Lead
    The Cape genet (Genetta tigrina), also known as the South African large-spotted genet, is a genet species endemic to South Africa.
  • Lead, conservation status
    As it is common and not threatened, it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
  • Lead, system
    Like other genets, it is nocturnal and arboreal, preferring to live in the riparian zones of forests, as long as these are not marshy areas.
  • Feeding ecology
    They are considered to be opportunistic omnivores, since they also catch and feed on insects, spiders, scorpions, and scavenge fish on the beach.
  • Conservation
    Outside reserves they are unprotected, and not listed in the South African Red Data Book nor any CITES appendices.
  • As a pet
    The Cape genet is one of the mammalian species kept as an exotic pet.
  • Threats
    As they sometimes kill poultry, they are killed in retaliation by farmers.
  • Threats, threats
    Cape genets face no major threats.
View the Source
3. Human Ageing Genomic Resources, University of Liverpool: AnAge entry for Genetta tigrina
Human Ageing Genomic Resources, University of Liverpool
  • Lifespan, maximum longevity
    21.3 years (captivity)
  • Life history traits, adult weight
    1,820 g
View the Source
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