Genet

The genet has adapted to a variety of habitats within its range. It can live in semi-desert, forest, scrubland, grassland, and savannah. During the day the genet sleeps in hollow trees or crevices. Its spotted fur provides good camouflage, so that it blends in wit the surroundings. Active by night, the genet seems to return to the same lair near dawn everyday.

There are many parallels between the vocal repertoire of genets and cats; both purr, meow, hiss and spit in similar situations. Genets also make churring and yapping noises in stressful situations. In a number of viverrid species a 'lost call' vocalization has been described; young of a litter show a strong propensity to stay together, and if one kitten becomes separated from the others it emits a series of abrupt calls, causing its littermates to run to its location.

The male and female genet come together only to mate. Although most pairs mate when seasonal rains occur, those living in temperate ranges mate year-round. More prey is available after the rains, which means that food is plentiful for the newborn.

The genet is primarily a carnivore (meat eater). It eats most small animals, including rodents, birds, and insects. It hunts at night, with nocturnal moths and beetles being common prey. The genet emerges from its lair at dusk to hunt. It moves stealthily, keeping, low to the ground, with its tail stuck straight out behind. The genet stalks its prey in much the same way that a domestic cat does. It first crouches, with its belly flattened on the ground. As the animal pounces on its prey, the hairs on its bushy tail stand erect, and the genet begins to purr loudly. A skillful climber, the genet often scales trees to catch nesting roosting birds. In summer, when fruit is abundant, the genet adds pears and figs to its regular diet. It returns to familiar hunting grounds at about the same time each year.