Genets and ‘genet-like’ taxa (Carnivora, Viverrinae): phylogenetic analysis, systematics and biogeographic implications

Abstract

The subfamily Viverrinae is a taxon of uncertain systematic status. This study consists of cladistic analyses based on morphological characters of specimens belonging to the genera Genetta, Osbornictis, Poiana and Prionodon. Two levels of analysis are carried out, one concerning generic relationships (intergeneric analysis) and one dealing with the interrelationships of species within the genus Genetta (intrageneric analysis). In the first analysis, different outgroups were used in order to test the ingroup topology. With regard to the intergeneric analysis, Osbornictis, Poiana and Prionodon, together with Genetta johnstoni, constitute a monophyletic group (including Nandinia), which is the sister‐group of a clade formed by the other species of genets. Thus, the genus Genetta is regarded as paraphyletic. Prionodon appears to be a derived taxon. The Poiana–Prionodon clade is well supported, especially by ultrastructural hair characters. The cladogram topology in the intrageneric analysis indicates an ecological transition from the rain forest genets to the savanna genets. This supports a rain forest origin of the genus Genetta, a conclusion which may be generalized to the entire study group. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2002, 134, 317–334.

Karyotype of the rare Johnston’s genetGenetta johnstoni (Viverridae) and a reassessment of chromosomal characterization among congeneric species

“…However, analysis of cytochrome b sequences from the original cell line (collection locality unknown) clearly attributed the sample studied by Couturier and Dutrillaux to G. pardina (P. Gaubert, unpubl.). Although similarity in chromosome morphology observed between G. pardina and G. maculata may suggest conspecificity, cytochrome b sequences and morphological considerations (Crawford-Cabral 1981, Crawford-Cabral and Pacheco 1992, Gaubert et al 2001, 2002a, 2004a, Gaubert 2003 clearly support the species status of the two genets. Kumamoto (1989) described under "G. tigrina" two different cytotypes (unbanded Giemsa staining) in captive-born specimens of large-spotted genets presumably from Transvaal.…”

“…However, all taxa investigated exhibit different karyotypes (except G. pardina and G. maculata), the differentiation of which roughly corresponding to morphological and genetic divergences observed among genets (eg, low between G. pardina and G. maculata, and high between G. johnstoni and G. genetta;Gaubert et al 2002a, Gaubert 2003 Gaubert et al 2004b). Some important variations in chromosomal morphology may induce post-zygotic isolation between the taxa studied.…”

“…Crawford-Cabral (1981) suggested that its populations be divided into three geographical entities corresponding to valid species: west of the Volta River (G. pardina), east of the Volta River (G. maculata sensu Gaubert et al 2002aGaubert et al , 2003a and the coastal area of South Africa (G. tigrina). This is partly conflicting with Coetzee (1977), Kingdon (1977), and Wozencraft (1993), but craniometrical analyses (Crawford-Cabral and Pacheco 1992), morphology (Schlawe 1981, Gaubert et al 2001, 2002a) and a combined DNA + morphology approach (Gaubert et al, in press) supported the species status of the three genets. However, some members of the complex are suspected to hybridize in the wild in zones of overlap (Pringle 1977, Gaubert 2003.…”

Species Richness and Habitat Use of Small Carnivores in the Arusha National Park (Tanzania)

“…AY751466-AY751489). The ten sampled animals were determined as rusty-spotted genets -Genetta maculata, accordingly with the most recent nomenclatural proposal for this species, still highly debated and under revision by other experts in Genetta taxonomy (Gaubert et al 2002(Gaubert et al , 2003.…”

“…Leopard (3 observations), spotted hyena (68 observations) and African civet (Civettictis civetta, 3 observations) were only encountered during transect counts (Table 1). Thirty-one different individuals belonging to six species of small carnivores: one, the zorilla (Ictonyx striatus), belonging to the family Mustelidae, four species of the family Herpestidae (according to McKenna and Bell 1997), and one rusty-spotted genet (Genetta maculata Gray 1830; Gaubert et al 2002Gaubert et al , 2003, of the family Viverridae, were captured (Tables 1 and 2). Two animals, a zorilla and a bushy-tailed mongoose (Bdeogale crassicauda), were recaptured once, while a melanistic rusty-spotted genet was recaptured twice, for a total of 35 captures and recaptures in 337 trap-nights (overall trapping success 10.4%, Table 2).…”