Pardine Genet Genetta pardina

Despite its close resemblance to a cat, surprisingly the Genet is not a type of cat but closely related to civets (themselves related to cats) and to mongooses. The Pardine Genet, shown here, is native to bush and dry forests of West Africa. (For Common Genet, see link below.)

The species of Genet (depending on authority, could be three or several) all look very similar, with spotted coats and ringed tails except for the Aquatic Genet which is brown without spots. All are native to Africa but the Common Genet, Genetta genetta, is also present in Arabia and has been introduced into southwest Europe.

The Pardine Genet of West Africa (shown) is larger than the Common Genet (link below). Genets climb extremely well.

Like most cats, it is mainly solitary. Male and female look similar (pair above left, female above centre and male above right).

It is mainly nocturnal but can be active by day. It is mainly a carnivorous predator (of small mammals, birds and insects) but will eat fruit, scavenge and even raid houses.

The long tail is nearly the same length as the head and body (the latter some 20 inches).