Common genet

A cat-like animal with a ringed tail

The common genet is a small carnivore of the viverrid family, cat-like in appearance but with a more elongated body, a pointed snout and short legs. Its coat is pale grey, dotted with black spots arranged in rows, and its long tail is ringed black and white with a pale tip. It is the only viverrid found in Europe. (Note: the mass value reported by Wikidata, 72.5 kg, is clearly erroneous: this animal actually weighs about 1 to 2.5 kg.)

Habitat and range

Native to Africa, it was introduced long ago to south-western Europe, where it occurs in Spain, Portugal and southern France. It also lives north of the Sahara, in sub-Saharan savannas and along the coasts of the Arabian Peninsula. It frequents woodland, Mediterranean scrub and rocky areas near water.

Behaviour and diet

It is a mainly nocturnal, solitary and remarkably agile animal: it climbs with ease and moves stealthily thanks to its supple body. It feeds mainly on small mammals such as rodents, but also on birds, reptiles, insects and fruit. By day it shelters in tree hollows, rock crevices or abandoned burrows.

Notable facts

The genet has perianal glands that secrete a scented substance, once used in perfumery as a fixative, much like civet musk. In some ancient cultures it was kept in homes to control rodents, before the domestic cat became widespread.

Conservation

The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and is widespread. It benefits from its adaptability and elusive habits, though locally it is affected by road traffic and direct persecution.