Title | Has the common genet (Genetta genetta) spread into south-eastern France and Italy? |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2008 |
Authors | Gaubert, P, Jiguet, F, Bayle, P, Angelici, FM |
Journal | Italian Journal of Zoology |
Volume | 75 |
Pagination | 43–57 |
ISSN | 1125-0003 |
Abstract | The common genet (Genetta genetta) is a small carnivoran that was probably introduced from Maghreb into south-western Europe. We reassessed its easternmost European distribution from 110-mostly new-data collected in south-eastern France and Italy, and tested for potential habitat selection, to finally re-evaluate the role of the Rhone as a geographic barrier against eastward migrations. The species was more frequent in river valleys, wetlands and low-mountainous areas (south-eastern France), but also occurred in high-mountainous zones at the French-Italian border. Our results evidenced a significant increase of records (13-fold the number of occurrences previously known) and an apparent absence of habitat selection by the common genet, suggesting a recent, natural spread from the right bank of the Rhne through a zone of 30km with artificial bridges. We finally provide a synthetic, re-assessed distribution map of the common genet in France and Italy, combining 4317 occurrences from French national databases and the 110 records collected herein. |
DOI | 10.1080/11250000701691812 |