Spatio-temporal ecology and behavior of eight European genets, Genetta genetta, were studied over 2 years by radiotracking in southwestern Spain. Genets were exclusively nocturnal, starting activity after sunset and ending before sunrise. Time spent in activity averaged 28% daily and seemed to be influenced by individual body mass and movement distances. Distance traveled averaged 2.8 km/day, apparently influenced by individual body mass, distance between resting sites, and habitat composition within home range. Resting sites were thickets (69%, n = 546) and trees (31%; mainly hollow trees). Seven individuals were sampled >70 days and averaged 16.3 sites for resting. Re-use rate of resting sites was 5.3 times/site. Mean distance between consecutive resting sites was 728 m, although the distance was shorter for young than for adults. Ash stands were the only vegetation type used more than expected, both for resting and for activity; other types were seldom used. Maximum size of home ranges averaged 7.8 km2. Ash stands represented an average of 14% of the home-range area and seemed to determine shape and size of the home range. Home ranges of adult males and females overlapped greatly, but intrasexual overlap was minimal, suggesting that animals were territorial.
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Palomares et al. (1994) studied this question.