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The small-spotted genet (Genetta genetta), also referred to as the Commongenet or European genet, is a species of genet found throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa (except most of Mozambique and Zambia), the Horn of Africa, as far north as south-east Egypt and across Senegal and Mauritania. The small-spotted genet also occurs in Morrocco, Algeria, Tunisia, sections of Libya, southern Europe, and the Arabian peninsula.
Their status of “least concern” with the IUCN ensures that they are often a target on African hunts, or seen as a trophy of opportunity, should that opportunity arise!
The small spotted genet’s preferred habitat includes woodlands, thickets, and forests with dense vegetation, and arid regions with rocky terrain.
While not much is known about their reproduction, it varies according to region. The gestation period is around 70-77 days, after which 1-4 blind kits are born. The kits are born helpless but develop quickly and start consuming meat at 7 weeks. They are fully weaned by 4-5 months. Their young are hidden until they are older, keeping them safe from a wide range of predators, such as owls, pythons, and leopards, as well as hunters out on an African hunt!
Small-spotted genets, like most genets, are good climbers, using trees to hide in and make their shelters. Other shelter spots include tunnels made by other animals, as well as holes, and hollows in trees. While mostly carnivorous, they do enjoy fruit occasionally, but dine on a diet of small reptiles and birds, and are known to raid a chicken coop now and then.
Name:
Genetta genetta
Male Weight:
3.1-5.1 pounds
Length:
16.9 -21.7 inches
Range:
Scattered regions throughout Africa and southwestern Europe
Gestation Period:
70-77 days
Life span:
8-20 years
Known for their agility and striking spots, small-spotted genets are nocturnal hunters with keen senses.
Looking a lot like a common cat in terms of features, the small-spotted genet has a slender body, a pointed muzzle on a small head, large eyes, and large oval ears. Its forehead has a black stripe across it and there are dark patches under its eyes. The genet’s chin and throat are white. The small-spotted genet has short legs, cat-like claws, and black hind feet. It has a soft, pale gray coat with numerous black spots or marks. There is a long black stripe that runs down the middle of its back from the shoulder region to the rump. The tail is striped, with black rings running lengthways down it, and the tip of the tail is white.
The small-spotted is nocturnal, making it a challenging target to spot during daylight hours. The small-spotted genet is also very adept at the art of camouflage, hiding in obscure places, making them a challenge to find. They are also small game hunting targets that can easily disappear before your eyes within seconds. Should your nocturnal hunting adventure not be sufficient in terms of a reward, this eye-catching trophy will be a welcome addition to any game hunting trophy room and an interesting hunting memory.
Genets are small, agile, elusive animals and are often seen as opportunistic targets when hunting in Africa. They are usually included with larger animals during a game hunting safari and are hunted using the spot-and-stalk method. Some regions may allow night hunting, where the hunting adventure will then utilize a spotlight to target this beautiful species.
Genets are small targets, so on an African hunt targeting this prey, use the smallest caliber possible such as a .22 or .223. Solid tips are essential, or there will not be much left of the small spotted genet trophy!
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