genet

Any of several small, nocturnal, carnivorous mammals belonging to the mongoose and civet family. Most species live in Africa, but the common genet G. genetta is also found in Europe and the Middle East. It is about 50 cm/1.6 ft long with a 45 cm/1.5 ft tail, weighs up to 2 kg/4.4 lb, with the male slightly larger than the female, and is greyish yellow in colour with rows of black spots. It is a good climber. Females have up to four young that begin to fend for themselves after about the age of four months. (Genus Genetta, family Viverridae.)