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Integrative Taxonomy and Phylogenetic Systematics of the Genets (Carnivora, Viverridae, Genetta): A New Classification of the Most Speciose Carnivoran Genus in Africa

  • Philippe Gaubert
  • Peter J. Taylor
  • Geraldine Veron
Conference paper

Abstract

The taxonomy of the genus Genetta has been hotly debated. Following recent clarifications on the phylogeny of and species boundaries within the genets, we propose a new classification, including discriminant morphological diagnoses, which provides for the first time a synthetic description of the reassessed species diversity within the genus (17 species). Prospects concerning further investigations on the systematics of the genets are discussed.

Key words

Carnivora Viverridae Genetta phylogenetic systematics integrative taxonomy classification diagnosis discrete characters distribution habitat Africa 
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Copyright information

© Springer 2005

Authors and Affiliations

  • Philippe Gaubert
    • 1
  • Peter J. Taylor
    • 2
  • Geraldine Veron
    • 1
  1. 1.Unité Origine, Structure et Evolution de la Biodiversité (CNRS FRE 2695), Département. Systématique et EvolutionMuséum National d’Histoire NaturelleParis Cedex 05France
  2. 2.eThekwini Heritage DepartmentNatural Science MuseumDurbanRepublic of South Africa

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