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Resting site selection, characteristics and use by the common genet Genetta genetta (Linnaeus 1758)

2011; De Gruyter; Volume: 75; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1515/mamm.2010.061

1864-1547

David Camps,

Species Distribution and Climate Change

Abstract The selection, characteristics and use of 72 resting sites and 3 dens corresponding to 16 adult common genets ( Genetta genetta ) in a Mediterranean habitat were studied. Over a 3-year period, the common genets each had at least 3–8 resting sites, which were reused with varying frequency. There was a positive correlation between the number of resting sites and the size of the resting home range. They used the resting sites during the day and also at night. The sites were located in thickets and trees. The females preferred thickets, and the males used trees more often than the females. The core areas of individuals revealed a higher number of resting sites than expected in relation to their size. When deciding on where to locate their resting sites, genets selected ravines, seeking the protection and safety that these places offered, with very dense vegetation that was practically inaccessible to any potential predators and thus also sheltering them from human activities. The highest probabilities of resting site presence are found in places near to torrents and away from roads and tracks.