Large-spotted Genet
Genetta tigrina
Also known as South African Large-spotted Genet, Cape Genet
- Where to see one
- 5 U.S. zoos in our directory hold large-spotted genet, confirmed against each zoo's own animal list.
Conservation status
Not Evaluated
This species has not been assessed for the IUCN Red List, so it sits outside the threat scale entirely.
About the large-spotted genet
The large-spotted genet, also called the Cape genet, is a slender carnivore endemic to South Africa, ranging from the Western Cape to KwaZulu-Natal. It is ash grey with irregular brown spots, a black stripe along the spine, and a black-and-white banded tail. Nocturnal and mostly solitary, it rests in tall trees, rock overhangs or caves by day and hunts on the ground after dark. It prefers moist, densely vegetated places near streams and rivers. An opportunistic omnivore, it eats rodents, birds, insects, spiders and scorpions, and even scavenges fish on the beach. Females nest in hollow trees, holes or among boulders.
Large-spotted Genet facts
- Captive Cape genets have lived for 15 years.
- It sometimes eats grass, which may aid digestion or help bring up ingested toxins.
- When walking along branches it stays low and swings its legs out sideways, so any misstep is easily corrected.
- Young open their eyes about 10 days after birth and are weaned at about 2.5 months.
Where to see large-spotted genet in the U.S.
5 zoos across 5 states
Find the closest one
Rank the 5 zoos holding large-spotted genet by how far they are from you. Your location is used in your browser to sort this list and is never sent to us.
Illinois· 1
Maryland· 1
Minnesota· 1
Ohio· 1
Pennsylvania· 1
AZAThe Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Accredited members have passed an independent inspection of animal care and welfare, safety, conservation and education, repeated every five years. Many smaller facilities never apply, so “not accredited” isn't a verdict on its own. What accreditation means · How we check this
Built from each zoo's own published animal list.
