The Daily Lives of African Genets: How Seasons and Competition Affect Their Nightly Routines

Ever wondered what keeps African genets busy at night? Two types of genets, the small-spotted and Cape genets, were studied to find out how seasons and competition affect their nightly activities. These tiny carnivores live in the same area but have slightly different habits. Scientists tracked them for a year, day and night, to see how they behave. Both types are mostly active at night, but they slow down during the cold, dry season. This might be because they save energy when it's too cold.Females of both types are less active, especially during the cold season. Cape genets, which live near rivers, adjust their nightly schedule to avoid meeting males, especially when they have young ones. Small-spotted genets change their routines when near Cape genets, probably to avoid competition. So, seasons and competition play a big role in shaping the nightly lives of these African genets.