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Factors affecting the distribution of large spotted genets (Genetta tigrina) in an urban environment in South Africa

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Abstract

Aspects influencing the distribution patterns of mammals are particularly important for species living in human altered landscapes. The current study investigated the relationship between occurrence patterns of large spotted genets (Genetta tigrina) with various environmental variables believed to influence their detection and site occupancy in an urban environment. Presence/absence data was collected from 28 camera trap stations between June 2012 and October 2013 in Kloof/Hillcrest suburbs, Durban, South Africa. Average estimated occupancy of G. tigrina was 0.62 ± 0.14 with a detection probability 0.19 ± 0.03. The naïve occupancy was 0.607. Model selection indicated that bush cover and placement of camera traps on wide paths negatively influenced G. tigrina occupancy. Both winter and fringe habitats influenced the site occupancy of G. tigrina positively. Furthermore, bush cover was negatively associated with detection probability of G. tigrina. The current camera surveys provided baseline data for long-term species observations within suburban Kloof/Hillcrest. The present study indicated the importance of a variety of factors on the distribution of G. tigrina, particularly in landscapes where natural habitats are threatened with changing land use and increasing human populations.

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Acknowledgments

P. Candotti of the Kloof Conservancy, C. Ive and T. McClurg are thanked for helping with the setting up of the camera traps. We would also like to thank all the residents that gave us permission to carry out this research on their properties. The University of KwaZulu-Natal and National Research Foundation (NRF) are also thanked for the financial funding for the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

    Craig D. Widdows, Tharmalingam Ramesh & Colleen T. Downs

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  1. Craig D. Widdows
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  2. Tharmalingam Ramesh
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  3. Colleen T. Downs
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Colleen T. Downs.

Appendix 1

Appendix 1

Table 3 List of independent photographs of mammals captured in camera traps in the study sites, including their threatened status according to Red Data Book of South African Mammals (Friedmann and Daly 2004)
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Widdows, C.D., Ramesh, T. & Downs, C.T. Factors affecting the distribution of large spotted genets (Genetta tigrina) in an urban environment in South Africa. Urban Ecosyst 18, 1401–1413 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-015-0449-5

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