West African Large-spotted Genet

About the West African Large-spotted Genet

The pardine genet (Genetta pardina), also known as the West African large spotted genet, is a genet species living in West Africa. As it is widely distributed and common, it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

The pardine genet's fur is yellowish grey with round black spots, which are bigger on the hind legs than on the shoulders. Its head is more reddish, and the muzzle brownish. It has white spots under each eye and below the chin. Its ears are grey. Its tail has six to seven narrow white and six to seven broader black rings. The tip of the tail is black.

Measurements of adult males range from 410 to 553 mm (16.1 to 21.8 in) in head and body with a 390 to 490 mm (15 to 19 in) long tail. Adult females range from 410 to 530 mm (16 to 21 in) in head and body with a 420 to 450 mm (17 to 18 in) long tail.

Pardine genets are distributed from Senegal eastwards to Ghana, where the Volta River is possibly a barrier to dispersal. They live in rainforests, gallery forests, moist woodlands, but also in plantations. They also venture into suburbs.

Pardine genets are solitary, and active at night. They... Wikipedia →