What family do genets belong to?
Q: What family do genets belong to?
A: Genets are feliform carnivores of the family Viverridae.
Q: What are the closest relatives of genets?
A: The closest relatives of genets are civets, linsangs, fossa, and mongooses.
Q: Where can genets be found?
A: The common genet is the only viverrid living in Europe while other species live in Africa. Fossils of the genus have been found from the Pliocene.
Q: How does a long tail help a genet?
A: A long tail acts as a counterweight which helps them keep their balance as they leap from tree limb to tree limb.
Q: Are genets strictly terrestrial animals?
A: No, they are not strictly terrestrial and spend much of their time in trees.
Q: What type of prey do genets feed on?
A: Genets feed on small mammals such as rodents, shrews, and bats; birds, bird eggs; centipedes; millipedes; scorpions; and various fruits including figs and olives.
Q: How agile are genets compared to other viverrids?
A: Genets are highly agile creatures with quick reflexes and exceptional climbing skills and are the only viverrids that can stand bipedally. They can walk, trot, run, climb up and down trees, and jump.
