South African small-spotted genet explained

The South African small-spotted genet (Genetta felina) is a species of genet endemic to Southern Africa.

Taxonomy

Genetta felina was first described in 1811 by Carl Peter Thunberg. It was considered a subspecies of the common genet (Genetta genetta) but since MSW3 in 2005, was split off and classified as its own species. Its classification is disputed.^[1]

Distribution

Genetta felina is found in South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. It lives in woodland savanna, grassland, thickets, and dry vlei areas that border deserts.

Appearance

The South African small-spotted genet is identified by the white tip on its tail, dark feet and dark chin.

Notes and References

1. Ferguson . Adam W. . Roble . Houssein R. . McDonough . Molly M. . 2019-03-01 . Noteworthy record of the Ethiopian genet, Genetta abyssinica, (Carnivora, Viverridae) from Djibouti informs its phylogenetic position within Genetta . Mammalia . en . 83 . 2 . 180–189 . 10.1515/mammalia-2017-0081 . 90946409 . 1864-1547. free .