First data on the presence and diet of common genet (Genetta genetta, Linnaeus 1758) in the Ebro Delta (NE Iberian Peninsula)

摘要

This paper provides novel data on the recent incursion and presence of the common genet (Genetta genetta) in the Ebro Delta (NE Iberian Peninsula), an atypical habitat for the species, and on its diet in this region, determined by scat analysis. The species was first detected in the delta region in 2005 that colonised through the woodlands on the banks of the Ebro River. The high trophic diversity index points out to a highly-diversified diet, and the results obtained highlight feeding habits towards particular food items. Rodents (mainly Rattus sp. and Mus sp.) were the most frequent food item and made up the largest portion of consumed biomass. Birds, red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and fruits were also consumed. However, although the genet was detected in this region, it cannot be considered to have spread and settle significantly: there are few signs of its presence and there has been no record so far of breeding, probably due the scarce availability of favourable habitat.