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I have squatters...


I have squatters...
Photo Information
Copyright: Gerhard Theron (gerhardt) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2225 W: 268 N: 4166] (11529)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-01-16
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Canon EOS 20D, Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS USM, Hoya UV-Guard (77mm)
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2006-01-16 14:12
Viewed: 1656
Points: 32
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Small Spotted Genet
Genetta genetta

The small spotted genet is a small cat-like mammal. From head to tail, the small spotted genet is approximately 100cm in length, and weighs around 1-3 kg.

They are solitary. They live in all types of habitats, but prefer dry forests and dry grasslands. The genet is an excellent tree climber and can often be found during the day lounging in trees to escape a predator’s notice. Genets have a large range, however, differing sex territories will overlap. Mating pairs and mother’s with young are often seen, but this must not be mistaken for a group of social animals. Defecation usually occurs in a few spots in the individuals range, mainly at the borders of their territory.

The breeding season of the small spotted genet occurs only during the rainy seasons. Males and females will utter high-pitched meows during copulation, which last approximately five minutes. However, foreplay before and after can last up to an hour. Once the female has ended her estrus cycle, she is left alone to care for the developing young. After a gestation period of about 10-12 weeks, 1-3 kittens are born. They are blind and deaf when born. They nurse and stay with the mother for a period of 7-8 months before defending themselves. Maturity is reached at 2 years. Genets have a lifespan of approximately 8-10 years.

Imagine my surprise when I noticed this critter taking residence on my roof. Even more surprising is the fact that they are nocturnal. I have never seen one in the wild. Then suddenly... there she were. The first photo was taken in mid December and the last one with the two kittens about an hour ago. There are three kittens but I managed to get just this two.

The photos were all taken handheld, ISO800-1600 and manual focus. The quality is not so good but please bare with me. The moment they see light they scurry off. So I had just one chance for each shot. I also do not want to bother them. As they get more used to us living around them I will try for better photos.

I hope you like it, I love listening to them playing on the roof.
Runnerduck, marhowie, wallhalla15, liquidsunshine, Robbrown, red45, dew77, scottevers7, Nico, OdetteVN, PDP has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Robbrown: Thanx for the kind words...gerhardt 1 01-16 16:08
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Critiques [Translate]

That's amazing Gerhard. What a lucky find! With subjects and stories such as these the quality of the images will always take second place (although there isn't much wrong with them).
They have found the best place to nest in your home, I just hope we get to see more images of them.
Thanks for posting.

Cute shots my friend, great captures of these "interlopers"..I like the duo bottom rt the best I think..Excellent presentation my friend, I like it!
Thank You.

Hello Gerhard, this a great presentation about a very interesting animal. I like it very much. Thanks for the very nice collage and the great note.
BR
Heinz

Very cute indeed! I wonder if they carry rabies, I wouldn't get too close! I hope they get used to you so you can get a better shot but thank you for showing them to us.

Alli

Nice set Gerhard, great opertunity well taken. Have you tried using a red light or red gel over a torch to light the area so you can line the shot up without disturbing them, I know this works for Badgers ( large member of the weessel family) they can not see in the red spectrum or at least not disturbed by it. Might be worth putting the flash seperatly to the camera with a lead between to avoide the red eye effect In the past I have used an old tripod to srew a flash to and run a cable to the camera in this way it is possible to conect several flashes to light the subject.
Keep making the best of it. TFS Yours Robert

Hi!
Ghost??????? :-)
I don't belive in ghosts but I 'm sure your genet is really unusual :-)

  • Great 
  • sAner Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1654 W: 79 N: 1456] (4742)
  • [2006-01-16 16:51]

Great note and nice pictures Gerhard! Oh, I wish I lived in a country like SA. All we have here in NL are ducks and the occassional Heron ... TFS!

Regards,
Pieter

  • Great 
  • red45 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2806 W: 75 N: 7857] (26309)
  • [2006-01-17 3:08]

Hi Gerhard!

Funny and curious housemates, for sure ;-) You're lucky to live with these fascinating animals under one roof. My favourite picture is bottom right - superb job!

Gerhad
NICE! Cute factor high, Green factor in the red!
What can I say, just love it, so glad you got her, and the babies. Leep on trying.
Groetnis

  • Great 
  • dew77 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5171 W: 297 N: 4050] (13069)
  • [2006-01-17 4:16]

Hello Gerhard!
Very nice captures and presentation.
Excellent work!TFS...:-)

Hi Gerhard,
Outstanding collage! Excellent photos for the little time you get to try and capture them. They are really unique looking creatures. Well done.
Scott

  • Great 
  • Nico Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 209 W: 1 N: 332] (1313)
  • [2006-01-17 10:05]

Baie oulike collage van jou gaste wat jy met ons deel.

Nice cute capture Gerhard,
Good detail, colours and sharpness.
Composition and exposure are good. Good POV and framing.
I'd be interested in seeing the development of these kittens.
Thanks for posting, Have a great week.

Hulle is nou te dierbaar vir woorde. Kyk ek sal darem bly wees as daar maar net een op ons dak wil kom bly. Dis 'n baie oulike foto. Dankie dat jy dit met ons deel.

  • Great 
  • PDP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2964 W: 366 N: 3848] (11751)
  • [2006-01-25 17:37]

Hi Gerhard, what wonderful squatters to have! As you say the quality is not so good but it's nice that you post them. I'd love to see them, great stuff. Hope you keep us posted on how they are doing.

I missed that!
Maybe pictures have some nits, but I'm sure you will have many opportunities to take some perfect one. I envy you a bit because I have only mice on my attic ;)
I don't think I've ever seen this animals before. Thanks for sharing.
WELL DONE!

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