Native to Africa and widely spread across the continent, the common genet found its way to the Iberian Peninsula and France, where it has established itself as the only genet species in Europe. This expansion beyond its African origins into Europe is a testament to its versatile survival skills in various habitats, from dense forests and scrublands to the proximity of human settlements.
Characterized by its slender body and strikingly long tail, which typically measures almost the same as its head and body combined, the common genet exhibits a range of physical adaptations that aid in its nocturnal lifestyle. The body length of these animals varies from 40 to 60 cm (about 15 to 24 inches), with their tails adding an additional 40 to 50 cm (15 to 20 inches), providing balance and agility as they navigate through the trees and on the ground.
The fur of the common genet is a marvel in itself, with a color palette that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. The iris of their eyes mirrors the hue of their fur, enhancing their camouflage. Their large eyes are equipped with elliptical pupils, optimizing their vision in low-light conditions and making them formidable hunters under the cover of night. The delicate hair covering the inside and outside of their pinnae (the external part of the ears) serves as protection and a sensory tool, capturing the slightest sounds of prey or predators. Remarkably, these animals can rotate their pinnae by approximately 80 degrees, which allows them to accurately pinpoint sounds.
The genet’s rhinarium, the moist, naked surface around the nostrils, plays a crucial role in its sensory perception. This specialized structure enhances their sense of smell and touch, enabling the genet to detect the faintest scents and the slightest vibrations in its environment. Such sensory adaptations are vital for hunting and navigating their habitat, whether foraging on the ground or creeping through the branches.
Distribution
Algeria
Andorra
Angola
Belgium
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
Côte D’ivoire
Djibouti
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
France
Gambia
Germany
Ghana
Guinea
Italy
Kenya
Lesotho
Libya
Mali
Mauritania
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Netherlands
Niger
Nigeria
Oman
Portugal
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Somalia
South Africa
Spain
Sudan
Switzerland
Tanzania
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Yemen
Zambia
ZimbabweAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
