| Aquatic genet | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Viverridae |
| Genus: | Genetta |
| Species: | G. piscivora[1] |
| Binomial name | |
| Genetta piscivora[1] (Allen, 1919) | |
 | |
| Aquatic genet range | |
Theaquatic genet (Genetta piscivora), also known as thefishing genet, is agenet that has only been recorded in the northeast of theDemocratic Republic of the Congo.[3][4] Since it is only known from about 30 specimens innatural history museums, it had been listed asData Deficient on theIUCN Red List since 1996, as it is considered one ofAfrica's rarest carnivores. In 2015, it has been reassessed asNear Threatened.[2]
WhenJoel Asaph Allen described the aquatic genet as a newgenus andspecies in 1919, henamed itOsbornictis piscivora.[5] It was reassessed in 2004, and based onmolecular evidence is now considered aGenetta species.[6]
The aquatic genet's long and dense fur is dark chestnut red without spots or bands. The head is pale fuscous brown with white spots on the sides of the muzzle, and above and below the eyes, which are framed with a narrow black ring. The ears are almost naked inside, edged with long whitish hairs and blackish outside. The bushy tail is black with pale brownish underfur. The soles of its feet are naked. These characteristics differ strikingly from those of other genet species.[5] Itsrhinarium andolfactory bulbs are smaller than in other genets, which may indicate a poorly developedsense of smell.[3] Its trenchant teeth indicate an adaptation topiscivory.[7]
Two adult males measured from 44.5 to 49.5 cm (17.5 to 19.5 in) in head and body length with a 34 to 41.5 cm (13.4 to 16.3 in) long tail. One male weighed 1.43 kg (3.2 lb), and a female 1.5 kg (3.3 lb).[4]
Aquatic genets have only been recorded inrainforest east of theCongo River and in theTshopo District at elevations from 460 to 1,500 m (1,510 to 4,920 ft). They have not been recorded with certainty fromUganda.[2][3] Based on past records, their range is predicted to be limited to closedevergreen lowland and submontane forests in theCongo Basin.[8]
Aquatic genets are thought to be solitary andcrepuscular. They primarily feed onfreshwater fish, includingcatfish,barbels,squeakers,carps, and alsocrustaceans. They possibly detect the movements of the fish with their whiskers, or attract the fish by patting the surface of the water with their whiskers.[3][4]
A pregnant female was collected in December.[9] To date, nothing else is known about theirgestation,reproduction and development of offspring.[4]
It is unclear whether there are any major threats to aquatic genets.[2] They are caught insnare traps set up byPygmy people in theIturi Forest.[9]
In 1979, the aquatic genet has been given full protection by the Congolese government. It is assumed to be present in theOkapi Wildlife Reserve.[4]
