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A slender, spotted, cat-like carnivore.
With a long banded tail for hunting in trees and on the ground.
The small-spotted genet (Genetta genetta) is a graceful, cat-like carnivore of the viverrid family (Viverridae). Its dark-spotted coat and long, black-and-white banded tail give it an almost feline elegance.
It hunts both in trees and on the ground, and is equally at home in savanna, woodland and scrub. Around camps and lodges, it is a familiar night-time visitor, moving silently through the dark.
The small-spotted genet is built for the vertical world. Its long, banded tail is a living counterbalance, and its semi-retractable claws grip bark and branches with confidence, letting it climb, leap and land in the canopy.
This agility opens up the whole forest — prey that lives in the trees is not safe from a genet. On the ground, the same grace makes it a silent, precise hunter, stalking rodents and birds with a cat's patience.
A carnivore, the small-spotted genet hunts small mammals, birds, insects and other invertebrates, and takes fruit seasonally.
It hunts by night, both in trees and on the ground, stalking with slow, silent precision.
The Small-spotted Genet is found across parts of Africa, with its main populations in eastern and, where applicable, southern regions. Its preferred habitat is Savanna & woodland.
It favours savanna & woodland, where cover, food and shelter are in balance. Protected national parks across East Africa help maintain stable populations.
In Tanzania, the small-spotted genet occurs in savanna and woodland, including Tarangire and the Serengeti, and may occur around lodges and camps at night.
The small-spotted genet can be seen in suitable savanna and woodland habitat in Tanzania. The table below gives a realistic guide to habitat suitability.
| Destination | Habitat suitability | Sightings |
|---|---|---|
| Tarangire | Good — woodland habitat | Possible |
| Serengeti | Suitable savanna | Possible |
| Lodges at night | May occur | Possible |
Small-spotted genets are present in suitable habitat, but they are secretive and strictly nocturnal, so individual sightings are never guaranteed.
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Hunts almost entirely after dark.
Agile in trees and on the ground.
Usually lives and hunts alone.
Scent marking and soft calls.
Hollow trees, thickets and rocky crevices.
Small-spotted genets are solitary. Females rear the kittens in a sheltered den, and the young learn to climb and hunt before leaving to establish their own territories.
Every feature of the Small-spotted Genet is finely tuned for life in savanna & woodland.
Vital statistics: body length approximately 40-52 cm long + tail, weight 1.5-2.5 kg, lifespan typically around 8-10 yrs in the wild (longer in captivity).
How does the Small-spotted Genet compare with its fellow African carnivores?
| Feature | Small-spotted Genet | Large-spotted Genet | Banded Mongoose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Genetta genetta | Genetta maculata | Mungos mungo |
| Weight | 1.5-2.5 kg | 1.5-2.5 kg | 1.5-2.25 kg |
| Size | 40-52 cm long + tail | 40-52 cm long + tail | 30-45 cm long + tail |
| Spot pattern | Smaller, denser spots | Larger, distinct spots | Uniform grey-brown |
| Lifespan | 8-10 yrs (wild) | 8-10 yrs (wild) | 10-12 yrs (wild) |
| Diet | Small mammals, birds, insects, fruit | Small mammals, birds, reptiles, fruit | Omnivore |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Compare the Small-spotted Genet with Africa's other carnivores on their own species pages:
For such a small-spotted genet, the savanna holds many dangers. It is important to distinguish between predators of adults and the greater threats facing young animals.
Leopards, large owls and pythons may prey on genets.
Kittens are especially vulnerable to snakes and birds of prey.
Least Concern does not mean the species has no conservation challenges. It means the species is not currently assessed in a higher IUCN threat category at the global level.
Widespread and adaptable, the small-spotted genet is listed as Least Concern.
Its spotted coat and climbing skill give it a cat-like grace.
Almost purely nocturnal — rarely seen by day.
As at home in the trees as on the ground.
A familiar, silent visitor around safari lodges at night.
Spotting a small-spotted genet on a night drive is a small victory. Its torch-lit eyes are the opening notes of the night's quieter performance.
A closer look at the Small-spotted Genet in its natural East African habitat — its striking appearance, habitat and behaviour are best appreciated up close.
No — the Small-spotted Genet is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though local populations can still face habitat pressure.
A carnivore, the small-spotted genet hunts small mammals, birds, insects and other invertebrates, and takes fruit seasonally.
Across savanna & woodland in Southern & Eastern Africa, including parts of Tanzania.
Yes — in suitable habitat such as Tarangire & Serengeti, Tanzania, although sightings vary by species and season.
Approximately 40-52 cm long + tail in body length and 1.5-2.5 kg in weight.
It is quick and agile in trees and on the ground, but relies on stealth and climbing rather than outright speed.
Activity patterns vary by species — some are active by day, others almost entirely at night.
Genetta genetta — a member of the Viverridae family.
Key threats include habitat loss and local habitat changes, alongside natural predation.
Usually lives and hunts alone.
