Genets

A genet (Genetta genetta) is one of the 17 species of small African carnivorans that make up the genus Genetta.

Genets are long, slender cats with enormous ears, a pointed nose, and claws that can partially retract. They also have a long, ringed tail. Although melanistic genets have also been discovered, their fur is speckled. They have anal sacs and musk glands. Also present are perineal glands.

The spine of every genet species has a dark stripe; nevertheless, the fur color and spot pattern vary between species. Their iris is roughly the same color as their fur, and they have big eyes with elliptical pupils. They can move their heads to focus on moving things and, to a limited extent, move their eyeballs within their sockets. Inside and outside of their pinnae are covered in a thin covering of hair.

Behaviour of Genets

Genets are exceptionally skilled climbers; they are highly agile and possess rapid reflexes. Only they can stand on their hind legs among viverrids. They jump, climb up and down trees, trot, stroll, and run. Although they reside on the ground, they also spend a lot of time in trees. Except until females mate and give birth, they are regarded as solitary.

Reproduction in Genets.

A female can have a litter of up to five babies. They raise their youngsters by themselves. Female common genets reach sexual maturity at the age of two. The gestation period lasts for 10 to 11 weeks after copulation. They are monstrous and give birth twice a year, in late summer to early autumn and spring.

Genets' Diet

They consume both plants and fruit as well as small vertebrates and invertebrates on occasion because they are omnivorous. Genets are occasionally observed sneaking around safari hotels and campsites after midnight because they are drawn to human waste.

Where to see Genets in Uganda

The large-spotted genet (Genetta tigrina), the small-spotted genet (Genetta genetta), and the servaline genet (Genetta tigrina) are all common in Uganda. The latter two typically occur in more lightly wooded areas than the former, and they are occasionally seen on night drives in the Semliki Wildlife Reserve.