Crested servaline genet

Hood genet ( Genetta cristata )

The Hood genet ( Genetta cristata; Genette also Niger or Niger genet ) is one of 14 species of the genus genets. Based in parts of Nigeria and Cameroon Hood genet inhabits forest areas and is considered endangered.

Features

The basic coloration of the body top is yellowish - brown to ocher, the shoulders and center back in this case have the darker tones. The spots are arranged dark brown to black and in longitudinal rows. The spots on the top rows are relatively evenly down the spots are smaller and more irregular. Between the shoulder and the tail runs a dark dorsal stripe of longer hair, the hair on the back center can be set up like a comb. The face shows a black mask between paired white spots. The proportion brighter tail rings is 50-75 %, the tail is light gray. The head-body length is 49-62 cm, the mass of about 2.5 kg.

Distribution and habitats

The distribution area of ​​the Niger Genette ( = Hood genet ) lies between the rivers of Sanaga ( Cameroon ) and Niger ( Nigeria ). Fund messages originate from the west of the Niger Delta and from Gabon and the Republic of Congo. The altitudinal distribution extends up to 1000 m.

Are populated mainly areas with dense undergrowth or heavy bush encroachment in rainforests. Highly significant primary forests in the plains, secondary forests and mountain forests are also inhabited.

Way of life

The Hood genet is a nocturnal predator. It feeds mainly on small mammals and arthropods ( arthropods ), such as insects. The animals are good climbers and often stay on ground away. Four types of vocalizations have been described ( purr and growl, meow, beep and a short cough -like grunt as a contact call ). Details of life are not known.

Endangering

Habitat loss due to the conversion of forests into agricultural land and oil extraction in the Niger Delta are the most important cause of endangerment dar. addition probably comes intensive hunting ( bushmeat, skins ). The IUCN is one of more than 30 percent population decline over the last three generations ( assuming a generation time of seven years ) and classified in 2008 Genetta cristata as endangered ( vulnerable ).

Taxonomy

The hood genet has long been considered a subspecies of Serval genet ( Genetta servalina ). With this type may also occur in the border areas with hybridizations. The hood genet itself is a monotypic Art