Angolan Genet

Taxobox
name = Angolan Genet


status = LR/lc | status_system = IUCN2.3 | status_system = IUCN2.3
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Mammalia
ordo = Carnivora
familia = Viverridae
subfamilia = Viverrinae
genus = "Genetta"
species = "G. angolensis"
binomial = "Genetta angolensis"
binomial_authority = Bocage, 1882
range_

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range_map_width = 200px
range_map_caption = Geographic distribution of the
"Genetta angolensis"

The Angolan Genet (Genetta angolensis) [ [http://www.lioncrusher.com/animal.asp?animal=185 Lioncrusher's Domain] ] , is a carnivore mammal related to civets and linsangs. It is one of eleven species of genets.

Description

The Angolan genet has fur that is reddish grey to dark grey in color, with small brown spots on its body and stripes on its ringed tail that is bushier than that of other genets. It has a black muzzle, with white around the eyes and mouth. This species has a dark dorsal stripe who runs from the base of the skull down to the tail, which can be raised defensively like a mane when the animal is threatened. Five rows of elongated spots or stripes run down either side of its neck. Melanistic individuals also exist.

Their claws are semi-retractable. Their body is long and lean, set on short legs. They can erect a mane of hair along their back when frightened. The Angolan genet's mane is relatively long, being about 2 inches (6 cm) in length. Like all viverrids, they have well-developed perineal glands used to mark territory. Genets have 40 teeth. Females have 4 teats, and males have a well-developed baculum. Both the front and hind feet have five digits, with well-furred soles. Their eyes are large and round, and their ears are large and triangular shaped.

Habitat

The Angolan genet lives in Africa and can be found in forests and moist savannah ranging from southern Zaire, central and northeastern Angola, western Zambia, northern Mozambique, and probably southern Tanzania.

Native

Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

References

*White, P. 2000. "Genetta angolensis", Animal Diversity Web. Accessed September 06, 2008 at [http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Genetta_angolensis.html Animal Diversity Web]
*Mustelid Specialist Group 1996. Genetta angolensis. In: IUCN 2007. Accessed September 06, 2008 at [http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/41696/summ 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species]

Notes