Genet cat hunting in Tanzania

Genet Cats are a cat-like species with a long slender mongoose-like body and are greyish-white with black spots on the body and black rings on their tail. These nocturnal animals feed mainly on rodents, small mammals, birds, snakes, amphibians and a little fruit. They are lethal killers when they get into a chicken coop. Genets are found countrywide in Tanzania except in the extreme south. Hunters do not necessarily select to hunt this species but may take the opportunity when it presents itself. Genets are an arboreal species, sleeping in a tree or holes in the ground and in rocky areas. They are solitary animals and may be found in pairs when mating. They can become very tame and are often regular visitors to the permanent safari camps. Being a nocturnal animal hunting them during the day needs a little luck as night hunting in Tanzania is forbidden. Classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, no special export permits are required but a night hunting permit may be required.