Genet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Genet |
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| Common genet Genetta genetta | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Suborder: | Feliformia |
| Family: | Viverridae |
| Subfamily: | Viverrinae |
| Genus: | Genetta Cuvier, 1816 |
| Type species | |
| Viverra genetta Linnaeus, 1758
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| Species | |
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Genets are amazing mammals found in the Old World. They belong to the same animal family as civet cats. Genets are feliform carnivores, meaning they are meat-eaters related to cats.
Their closest relatives include civets, linsangs, fossa, and mongooses. Most genet species are part of the genus Genetta. The common genet, Genetta genetta, is the only one that lives in Europe. Other species live in Africa. Scientists have found fossils of genets from the Pliocene period.
About Genets
Genets have very long tails. Their tails are usually one to one and a half times longer than their bodies. These long tails act like a counterweight. They help genets keep their balance when they jump between tree branches. Genets spend a lot of their time in trees. They are not just ground animals.
Genets have claws that can be partly pulled back, like a cat's. They use these claws for climbing trees and holding onto their prey. However, they do not use their claws for fighting.
Amazing Abilities
Genets are very quick and graceful animals. They have fast reflexes and are excellent climbers. They are also the only animals in their family that can stand on two legs. This is called bipedal standing.
Genets can do many things. They can walk, trot, and run. They can also climb up and down trees with ease. Their jumping skills are also very impressive.
What Genets Eat
Genets mostly eat small mammals. These include rodents, shrews, and bats. When they catch a small rodent, they grab it by the back. Then they kill it with a bite to the head. They usually start eating the animal from its head.
They also enjoy eating birds and bird eggs. Their diet can include centipedes, millipedes, and scorpions. Genets also eat different kinds of fruits. Some of their favorite fruits are figs and olives.
Species of Genet
See also
In Spanish: Genet para niños
