How to Identify the Genet

The genet is a small cat like animal that can be found in Africa and parts of Europe and the Middle East. This quiet animal is very shy and is rarely seen in the wild. When you come across a genet, here is how to identify it.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Great eyesight
• Night vision goggles (if available)

1. Learn about where the genet can be found and what habitats it enjoys. The first step to identifying the genet in the wild is to find one. You can find the genet in Africa, Southern Europe, and in some Middle East countries. The genet inhabits forests and grasslands throughout this range.

2. Realize that the genet is reclusive and learn about its habits. The genet is quite shy, and will avoid contact with humans. This makes finding one in the wild very difficult. Know that the genet will climb throughout the trees, branches and limbs of the African forests. The deeper the woods, the more a genet would like it. They sleep throughout the daytime, and then go hunting at night.

3. Recognize that the genet looks much like a small domesticated cat. In fact, some people do keep genets as pets to help control the rodent population. The genet has tan fur with various shades of dark markings throughout its coat. The genet also has the ringed tail of black and tan rings that the civet family is known for. The genet has short stumpy legs, and a pointed snout much like a raccoon. They only grow about 23 inches tall, and have a tail that is almost equally as long. These markings and coloration help the genet to blend right in with its surroundings and hunt more effectively.

4. Observe that the genet likes to eat many of the things that we do not want around our homes. The genet slinks throughout the forests of Africa after dark and dines on insects, birds and rodents. They will also eat fruit, lizards, and snakes. This is one sneaky little mammal that can hunt as good as any house cat.

5. Smell the genet's scent as it marks its surroundings. The genet has a scent gland that it spreads a strong odor throughout its territory with. This scent marks the locations that the genet has passed, and signals other genets that it is around. This smell is a very sweet odor that is unmistakable.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that the genet is very good at avoiding you.
• Take night vision goggles if you have them available.
• The genet stays in the trees often, so look up for their bright eyes.
• This animal has been known to be domesticated, but you should still treat it as a wild animal.
• Any bite from a wild animal should be treated by a doctor.