Genetta abyssinica

Xiao, Gang, Zhang, Mei, Peng, Xing & Jiang, Guangyuan, 2019, Noteworthy record of the Ethiopian genet, Genetta abyssinica, (Carnivora, Viverridae) from Djibouti informs its phylogenetic position within Genetta, Mammalia (Warsaw, Poland) 83 (2), pp. 180-189 : 187-188

Ecology of Genetta abyssinica and implications for conservation

This article highlights the need for continued surveys and collecting of vouchered specimens of small carnivores such as Genetta abyssinica in order to better understand both their evolutionary history and ecological requirements. The need for vouchers for these morphologically complex species is further highlighted by the recent report of a road-killed G. abyssinica from Ethiopia ( Balakrishnan and Afework 2008), which subsequent inspections confirmed was actually Genetta genetta (Linnaeus, 1758) ( Gaubert et al. 2009) . Without the availability of a voucher for subsequent re-identification, this record could have been perpetuated as a new occurrence for G. abyssinica in Ethiopia, potentially confounding the ability to determine the species range and habitat requirements. Collection of a single individual allowed us to increase our understanding of this species from an evolutionary, ecological and biological standpoint, providing materials for use in future studies including pathogen exploration and ecomorphological analysis of postcranial materials. This record provides information on a misunderstood and little studied species of mammal from an area ecologically important to the critically endangered Djibouti Francolin, bolstering the need to protect this fragile yet important wooded ecosystem. Additional surveys of both montane forested regions (e.g. the Mabla Mountains) and lowland desert scrub (e.g. south-east Djibouti) should provide further information on the geographic distribution of this species in Djibouti, facilitating appropriate management and conservation of G. abyssinica .

Acknowledgment: The biodiversity surveys of Camp Lemonnier and the Forêt du Day were supported by the Smithsonian Institution (SI) Global Genome Initiative (GGI) and the US Navy Natural Resources Program by grants procured by Carla Dove. Funding and technical support for laboratory work including DNA sequencing was provided by the Smithsonian Institution’s DNA Barcode Network and the Center for Conservation Genomics, National Zoological Park. We thank Carla Dove and Suzanne Peurach for the opportunity to participate in these expeditions. We also thank Carla Dove, James Whatton, Brian Schmidt, and Jeremy Jacobs (National Museum of Natural History); Steve Gotte ( U.S. Geological Survey); Matt Klope (retired, U.S. Navy); Abdourahman Ismael and Yahya Moumine (University of Djibouti); and Ms. Adwa Ali (Center for Education and Research Department, Djibouti) for assistance and comradery in the field. Laura Muhs (Camp Lemonnier Environmental Program Director, U.S. Navy) provided extensive logistical support during the expedition. Calvin Lotiaco and Jose Flores, KBR Vector Control contractors provided information on fauna of Camp Lemonnier. Permits were granted via Mr. Houssein Rirache Roble, Director of Environment and Sustainable Development Ministry of Housing, Urban Planning and Environment, Djibouti and the SI Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC 2014-11). The expeditions to Camp Lemonnier were coordinated via the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti and we thank the staff there for assistance.