| Crested servaline genet | |
|---|---|
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| Illustration of a crested servaline genet | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Viverridae |
| Genus: | Genetta |
| Species: | G. cristata |
| Binomial name | |
| Genetta cristata Hayman, 1940 | |
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| Crested servaline genet range | |
| Synonyms | |
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Thecrested servaline genet (Genetta cristata), also known as thecrested genet, is agenetspecies endemic toNigeria andCameroon. As the population has declined due toloss of habitat, it is listed asVulnerable on theIUCN Red List.[1] It was first recorded in theMamfe Division in Cameroon and initially considered asubspecies of theservaline genet (Genetta servalina).[3] But now it is regarded as a distinct species.[4]
The crested servaline genet is a rather small and slender genet with relatively long legs and a narrow face. Its khaki colored fur is short, soft and dense with dark spots that are densely and evenly distributed. Its long tail is banded with wide black bands and thin whitish bands. Its crest on the back of the neck does not extend onto the back.[5]
Its feet are dark. It has a dark discontinuous mid-dorsal line with relatively long hairs that form anuchal crest.[6]
The crested servaline genet occurs in southernNigeria from theNiger Delta east intoCameroon to theSanaga River. It inhabits scrub, low tangled vegetation and bare ground below trees in talldeciduous forest. Occasionally it has also been recorded insecondary and montane forest.[1]
In Nigeria it is associated withprimary dry forest, bush–mango plantations inside the forest, and to a lesser extent to secondary dry forest and primaryflooded forest. It avoids suburban areas, pineapple plantations, bushlands and oil-palm plantations.[7]It is restricted to lower elevations from sea level to about 1,000 m (3,300 ft) elevation. Its presence has been predicted inGabon andRepublic of Congo, but not been confirmed.[8]
The crested servaline genet is threatened byloss of habitat. The major areas of its occurrence in theCross River State Forests is being converted into agriculturally used land; oil is produced in theNiger Delta. It may also be subject to pressure from intensive hunting.[1]
