Cape genet
A species of Genet, Also known as Blotched genet, Largespot genet Scientific name : Genetta tigrina Genus : Genet
Cape genet, A species of Genet
Also known as:
Blotched genet, Largespot genet
Scientific name: Genetta tigrina
Genus: Genet
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Bernard DUPONT , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The Southern Great-spotted broom cat (Genetta tigrina) lives in coastal regions in southern Africa (South Africa and Lesotho). The distribution area extends from the south of the province of Western Cape to southern KwaZulu-Natal (east coast) and adjacent Lesotho. The species inhabits forests and heathlands in Fynbos and is considered not endangered.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
The primary diet of cape genet is largely built on insectivorous food types. It feeds significantly on termites, roaches, and beetles. This species also consumes small vertebrates and fruits occasionally.
Appearance
The cape genet is a slender, small-sized mammal adorned with an intricate fur coat. Its body is characteristically elongated, showcasing earth-toned fur interspersed with dark spots transforming into narrow vertical stripes nearing the tail. Its tail - long and bushy - has a noticeable white tip. The cape genet possesses a small head featuring alert ears and large eyes, a design primed for nocturnal life. No notable discrepancies are evident between different ages, genders, or subspecies.
Behavior
Cape genet is a primarily solitary, nocturnal mammal that exhibits crepuscular traits. Notable for its arboreal and terrestrial activities, it largely focuses on hunting small mammals, reptiles, and insects. It possesses unique scent marking behavior for territorial claims. Unlike many predators under the Carnivoran order, it is not known to actively engage in confrontational territorial disputes.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
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