Genetta piscivora (J. A. Allen, 1919)

Don E. Wilson & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2009, Viverridae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 1 Carnivores, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 174-232 : 189-190

18.

Aquatic Genet

Genetta piscivora

French: Genette aquatique / German: \Wassergenette / Spanish: Gineta acuatica

Taxonomy. Osbornictis piscivora J. A. Allen, 1919 ,

Niapu, Zaire.

Monotypic.

Distribution. DR Congo.

Descriptive notes. Measurements from two adult males (respectively): Headbody 44-5—-49-5 cm,tail 34-41. 5 cm, hindfoot 8:3-9 cm, ear 6 cm; weight c. 1-5 kg. A slender unspotted genet, with a black bushy tail and strongly contrasting facial markings. The pelage is long and dense, especially on the is. coat is chestnutred to dull red, without spots or bands; some individuals have a dark mid-dorsalstripe. An indistinct line of whitish hairs runs along the midline of the abdomen. There is a pair of elongated whitish spots between the eyes. The front and sides of the muzzle, and the sides of the head below the eyes, are whitish. The ears are blackish and edged with long whitish hairs. The rhinarium is small and without a median sulcus. The chin and throat are white. The tail is black and without rings. The palms and soles of the feet are bare, and the hindfeet have distinct elongated metatarsal pads. The skull is long and lightly built, and the teeth are relatively small and trenchant. The premaxillary-frontal contact is absent and the dorsal region of the frontal bone is concave. The ratio between the inter-orbital constriction and frontal width is less than 1 + 0-12. The posterior extension of the frontal bone is very narrow and the posterior chamber of the auditory bulla has a continuous curve line on the external side. The premaxillary-maxillary suture is at the same level as P! and the maxillary-palatine suture is at the same level as the main cusps of P*-M, (reduced). Dental formula: 13/3, C1/1,P 4/4, M 2/2 = 40.

Habitat. Rainforest. Nearly all specimens were trapped near small rivers and some were collected in forests dominated by limbali trees (Gilbertiodendron). Found from 460 to 1500 m.

Food and Feeding. Thought to be semi-aquatic and to primarily eat fish; natives say that fish is the favored prey. The stomach of one specimen contained bones of a small fish and an entire catfish ( Clariidae ) about 10 cm in length. The dentition may be adapted to dealing with slippery prey and the bare palms may be an adaptation for feeling and handling fish in muddy holes. Also reported to feed on crustaceans, but this is considered unlikely by some authors. Two captive adults never ate frogs, tadpoles, or crabs, but a young animaltried to eat all three. None showed any interest in moths or beetles that flopped into the pools in their enclosure. Small pools, or slowly flowing brooks, were approached with an extremely slow, gliding stalk. As the animal moved slowly along the water’s edge, the surface was alternately tested with the vibrissae and patted with the forefoot. The wrist was bent back almost to the vertical and the surface struck with a downward pivoting action. Insect-eating fish such as barbel (Barbus, up to 30 cm), catfish ( Clarias ), squeaker (Synodontis), and Labio were caught with a rapid, open-mouthed strike, and carried away.

Activity patterns. Thought to be crepuscular and nocturnal.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Considered solitary. Has been caught in snare-traps set on the ground.

Breeding. A pregnant female was collected in late December with a single foetus, which was about 15 mm in length. A captive male made very aggressive tom-cat-like meows when pursuing a female and trying to mate. A chuffing call is used between individuals.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Data Deficient on The IUCN Red List. Mostly known from museum specimens (around 30) and considered among the rarest of the African carnivores. Has been given complete protection by the DR Congo government. Major threats are unclear, but Aquatic Genets are hunted for bushmeat by Bambuti pygmies. This speciesis a high priority for field studies to better understand its ecology, distribution, and population status.

Bibliography. Carpaneto & Germi (1989b), Gaubert, Taylor & Veron (2005), Gaubert, Tranier et al. (2004), Gaubert, Veron & Tranier (2001), Hart & Timm (1978), Van Rompaey (1988), Van Rompaey & Colyn (in press f), Verheyen (1962), Wozencraft (2005).

Figures

15. Johnston's Genet (Genetta johnstoni), 16. Rusty-spotted Genet (Genetta maculata), 17. Pardine Genet (Genetta pardina), 18. Aquatic Genet (Genetta piscivora), 19. King Genet (Genetta poensis), 20. Servaline Genet (Genetta servalina), 21. Hausa Genet (Genetta thierryi), 22. Cape Genet (Genetta tigrina), 23. Giant Genet (Genetta victoriae)

Distribution. DR Congo .