Overview

Genets are related to civets, linsangs, fossa, and mongooses. The common genet is the only viverrid present in Portugal.

Details

Genets are feliforms, and are related to cats. Most of them have spotted coats, long, banded tails, small heads, and large ears. They are able to move through any opening that their head can fit through. Like civets, genets have strong musk glands, located by the anus, which are used for territorial, sexual and social purposes. Genets are highly agile creatures, with quick reflexes and exceptional climbing skills, and are the only viverrids that are able to stand bipedally. They are able to walk, trot, run, climb up and down trees, and jump. They are nocturnal and solitary, but some pairs and family groups are occasionally seen.