Angolan genet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Angolan genet |
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Genetta
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| Species: |
angolensis
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The Angolan genet is also known as the miombo genet (Genetta angolensis). It is a type of genet, which is a small, cat-like animal. This genet lives only in Southern Africa. It is quite common there. Because of this, it is listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List. This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing. Scientists are still learning a lot about how these genets live in the wild.
Contents
What Does the Angolan Genet Look Like?
The Angolan genet has long, light brown fur. It has dark spots all over its body. A dark line runs along its back, like a crest. Its throat and chest are light grey or greyish-black.
Body Features and Markings
You can see small spots on its front and shoulders. The spots on its sides are more numerous and a bit bigger. From its head to its body, it measures about 44 to 48 cm (17 to 19 in) long. Its tail is bushy and measures 38 to 43 cm (15 to 17 in) long. The tail has rings and a dark tip. The back part of its legs is dark.
Face and Unique Traits
The Angolan genet has a dark grey face and a black nose. The fur around its eyes and mouth is white. The crest on its back can be up to 6 cm (2.4 in) long. You can tell it apart from the common genet because its tail has a black tip, not a white one. Also, its spots are more scattered and irregular. Sometimes, Angolan genets can be completely black. This is called being melanistic.
Size Differences
Male Angolan genets are usually larger than the females.
Where Do Angolan Genets Live?
The Angolan genet lives in several countries in Africa. These include Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Habitat and Environment
These genets can live in different types of places. They are found in the local miombo woodlands. They also live in open plains. Scientists have used camera traps to study them. Between 2007 and 2012, they were seen in Tanzania. They were found north of Katavi National Park and in the Rukwa Region.
What Threats Do Angolan Genets Face?
The Angolan genet is not currently threatened by changes to its natural home. However, it can be harmed by cars on roads.
Human Impact
In Tanzania, some people use parts of the Angolan genet in traditional healing practices. Because of this, some genets are hunted illegally. This practice can affect their numbers in certain areas.
See also
In Spanish: Jineta de Angola para niños
