Species profile
About this species
The Common Genet is a small, slender carnivore belonging to the family Viverridae, native to Africa & parts of southwestern Europe. It has a distinctive spotted coat, a long banded tail, & a pointed muzzle, giving it a cat-like appearance despite being more closely related to mongooses. It is a highly agile & secretive animal, primarily nocturnal & an adept climber of trees & rocky terrain.
The Common Genet favours dense woodland, scrubland, & rocky terrain with good cover, often near water sources such as rivers & streams. It is also found in Mediterranean maquis shrubland & savannah environments across sub-Saharan Africa.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Common Genet with us in Kenya.
These departures are part of our Africa programme.
In the field, David Miles & Pui Hang Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
The best time to photograph the Common Genet is after dark, particularly in the first few hours after sunset when activity peaks. The cooler months of autumn & winter in southern Europe, or the dry season in Africa, can increase sightings near water sources & feeding areas.
Use a fast lens with a wide aperture such as f/2.8 to allow sufficient light during nocturnal shoots, & pair it with a high ISO setting to capture sharp images in low-light conditions. Position yourself near known feeding sites or rocky outcrops at dusk & remain patient & still, as the genet is easily startled by movement or sound. A red-filtered torch can help illuminate the subject without disturbing its natural behaviour, & a remote camera trap is an excellent tool for candid shots.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Common Genet
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.