Panther genet, Large-spotted genet
The rusty-spotted genet (Genetta maculata ), also called panther genet and large-spotted genet, is a genet that is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa. It is considered common and therefore listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
The rusty-spotted genet has short whitish grey to pale yellow coloured fur with dark spots and a continuous dark line across the back. The spots of the upper two dorsal rows are round or square, brown in the center and darker outside. In head-to-body length it ranges from 42 to 52 cm (17 to 20 in). Its 40 to 53 cm (16 to 21 in) long tail is ringed and has a dark tip. Its feet are of the same colour as the fur. It weighs from 1.3 to 3 kg (2.9 to 6.6 lb).
Research in southeastern Nigeria revealed that the rusty-spotted genet has an omnivorous diet. It feeds on rodents like giant pouched rats (Cricetomys ), Nigerian shrew (Crocidura nigeriae ), Temminck's mouse (Mus musculoides ), Tullberg's soft-furred mouse (Praomys tulbergi ), Peters's striped mouse (Hybomys univittatus ), typical striped grass mouse (Lemniscomys striatus ), red-eyed dove (Streptopelia semitorquata ), common agama (Agama agama ), Mabuya skinks, Myriapoda, spiders, Orthoptera and Coleoptera as well as eggs, fruits, berries and seeds.
