As we come to the end of my nocturnal series, one elusive creature stands out for me, the genet. Often seen around camp and while on a drive, these incredible nocturnal creatures have quickly become one of my favourite animals to view. As members of the Viverridae family, genets are characterised by their slender bodies, distinctive spots, and large eyes. They are known for their nocturnal behaviour and unique feeding habits, making them a sought-after spot for many of our guests that visit Londolozi.
Not always easy to photograph but when granted the opportunity one must take it.
Feeding Habits
Genets are opportunistic feeders, showcasing their adaptability through a diverse diet. Their primary prey consists of small rodents, but they are also known to consume insects, birds, eggs, and fruits when available. This eclectic gastronomic preference enables them to thrive in various habitats, making them important contributors to the ecosystem’s balance.
Hunting Techniques
When thinking of the skilled hunters under the night sky, people will always cast their minds to the lions and leopards that we see at Londolozi. However, for me, the genets are as skilled and make use of their smaller demeanour very successfully. With sharp teeth and retractable claws, genets are skilled hunters. They employ stealth and precision to stalk their prey and pounce on it with lightning speed. Their cat-like reflexes and keen senses ensure successful hunts in an environment that can sometimes be a hard place for a smaller predator such as the Genet.
Genet uses the perch of a tree to take a rest.
Nocturnal Behavior
Genets are primarily nocturnal creatures, preferring to rest in burrows or holes in trees during the day and emerging at night to forage for food. Equipped with excellent night vision and acute hearing, they navigate their surroundings with remarkable agility and stealth. Their solitary nature and elusive behaviour make them challenging to spot during daylight hours, often leading to exciting encounters during night drives. When Tracker Dorence manages to spot these elusive cats it always blows my mind.
Genet investigating a camera trap.
Role in the Ecosystem
Genets play a crucial role in the ecosystem’s health. As predators of small rodents and insects, they help control their populations, preventing overgrazing and imbalances in the food chain. Additionally, their varied diet contributes to seed dispersal, promoting the growth of diverse plant species.
With their nocturnal habits, diverse diet, and elusive nature, they remain an integral part of the delicate balance that sustains the ecosystem.
As guests embark on night safaris, the allure of encountering these enigmatic creatures becomes a thrilling quest to witness the hidden secrets of the night. The genets remind us of the intricate web of life that unfolds under the African moon, inviting us to appreciate and protect the wonders that thrive in the darkness.
They are such great animals to watch. Thank you for this.
Patrick, thank you for introducing me to genets. I had seen them before but did not know their habits.
Had to google Viverridae! ha! So interesting…never heard of 🙂 cute little guys!
Patrick these genes are very special, not everyone can say they have seen one. Their markings on their fur is beautiful and the long black line down the spine makes it even more beautiful. So agile and with such big eyes, I am sure they catch lots of rodents and insects.
Thanks for this blog on genets. I haven’t seen any for some time. Last time I saw one was in Tree Camp’s lounge a couple of years ago. I would love to watch one of these beautiful animals again.
Great post! Thank you for the beautiful photos and wonderful information about these adorable creatures.
Pat, it was interesting to read your article on the genet, an amazing little predator. Spotting one during a drive is not an easy task. I had more success in Founders Camp, during pre-drive coffee when one was spotted on the ceiling soffit, running around the perimeter, stopping now and then the check is out. Perhaps during my next I’ll manage to see one in the bush, not inside the lobby!
Thanks for the Series. Please keep the it going. If you’re able. Seeing hushbabies in the trees above Tree Camp on our last night was an unforgettable sight. As were the chameleons in the bushes on the way to Tree 5 and 6.
Very odd animals, beautiful in their own way.
They look half way between a Cat and a Weasel.
Hi, nice animals, they are present in Southern Europe as well and thriving
Unfortunate daytime dighting of a genet yesterday. A loprd spotted it and literally leapt through the air to catch it.
Patrick, Thanks for your whole series on the nocturnal animals – well done and we learned a lot! Our first sighting of a Genet was last week on a game drive with Nick and Joy (and the Beni’s) when the leopard chased one up a tree and caught it in mid-air! Unbelievable!
Thanks for that, the last photo is superb