Space use of common genetsGenetta genetta in a Mediterranean habitat of northeastern Spain: differences between sexes and seasons

Abstract

in a Mediterranean habitat of northeastern Spain: differences between sexes and seasons. Acta Theriologica 49: 491-502.The seasonal home range size and spatial relationships of 16 adult genets Genetta genetta Linnaeus, 1758 (6 males and 10 females) were estimated in a Mediterranean habitat of northeastern Spain. Genets minimum density was estimated as 0.98/km 2 . Mean annual home range was 113.1 ha in males and of 72.0 ha in females. Males had larger home ranges than females in all seasons, but differences were only significant in winter. Home range size changed seasonally and showed a similar pattern in both sexes, with lower values in summer (males -41.2 ha, females -29.0 ha) and maximum ones in spring (males -78.8 ha, females -56.1 ha). Animals displayed spatial fidelity throughout the year. Core areas (MCP50) represented 27% and 19% of total home range size for males and females, respectively. Resting home ranges (based on locations of inactive animals) were 9 times lower than overall home range size. Individuals of the same sex overlapped less than individuals of different sexes, especially with regard to core areas, which showed almost no overlap. The results obtained suggest that (1) different factors are likely to affect the space use of genets, such as body mass, food abundance and reproductive cycle; (2) genets use space in a heterogeneous way, with areas of greater activity than others within their home range; (3) there was intrasexual segregation with regard to space use.The present paper provides results on the spatial behaviour of genets obtained by means of radiotracking in a Mediterranean habitat, situated in the northeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. Interest has been focused on finding out how genets were using the space, especially with regard to the spatial relationships among different individuals. Also, particular attention was given to sexual and seasonal differences, and to examining what factors might affect the spatial behaviour of genets. Study areaThe study was carried out in Collserola Park (41°25'N, 2°7'E), situated 7 km from the coast in northeastern Spain and the adjoining city of Barcelona. This is a Mediterranean area of some 8000 ha, of which 6000 ha are dominated Aleppo pine Pinus halepensis woodlands mixed with holm oak Quercus ilex and gall oak Quercus cerrioides. There is a well developed underbrush, composed of species such as tree heath Erica arborea, laurustinus Viburnum tinus, the strawberry tree Arbutus unedo and Mediterranean buckthorn Rhamnus alaternus. Vegetation is denser in torrents along valley bottoms, with an abundance of English ivy Hedera helix, traveller's joy Clematis vitalba and common smilax Smilax aspera. The remainder of the area is made up of Mediterranean anthropogenic environments, which form a complex mosaic of fields, scrub, maquis vegetation, crops, abandoned crops and suburban areas. Collserola Park is a periurban park adjacent to the large conurbation of Barcelona city, with almost 3 million people where woodland habitats receive a large num...

Habitat selection and abundance of common genets Genetta genetta using camera capture-mark-recapture data

“…A density of 0.98 genets/ km 2 was estimated for an area of northeastern Spain using radio-telemetry techniques (Munuera and Llobet 2004). Whereas the latter density value is higher than the average density obtained in the present study, it is similar to the density values estimated for sampling area 03SM.…”

“…Whereas the latter density value is higher than the average density obtained in the present study, it is similar to the density values estimated for sampling area 03SM. A study area with a higher percentage of suitable habitats may account for the higher genet density estimated by Munuera and Llobet (2004). In Serra da Malcata, although suitable habitat patches are significant, they are highly fragmented as a result of forestry activities that have replaced Mediterranean woodlands by intensive pine tree plantations over the last decades.…”

“…Across their European geographic range, space use and habitat selection by common genets Genetta genetta have been extensively studied (Palomares and Delibes 1994;Virgós and Casanovas 1997;Virgós et al 2001;Munuera and Llobet 2004;Galantinho and Mira 2009). However, there is a lack of published information regarding density and habitat relationships in Portugal, particularly with respect to central mountain areas.…”

Estimating carnivore community structures

“…The density estimate for badgers was lower than those provided using telemetry and sign count data (0.23–0.67 individuals/km 2 and 0.36–0.48 individuals/km 2 , respectively)3536. Non-spatial capture-recapture and SCR methods have been used with common genets, showing density estimates ranging from 0.58 to 1.12 individuals/km 2  333738 and from 0.16 to 0.79 individuals/km 2 , respectively39. Our density estimate (0.087 ± 0.054 individuals/km 2 ) is below the estimate provided by Sarmento & Cruz (2014)39.…”

Ranging and activity patterns of the group-living ferret badger Melogale moschata in central China

“…In contrast, although genets (Genetta genetta) also demonstrate male-female home-range overlap, males maintain exclusive male core areas (Munuera and Llobet 2004). Thus, ferret badgers appear to be unusual in that, unlike most Asian mustelids (Johnson et al 2000;King 1989;Powell 1979), they do not maintain exclusive individual core areas.…”