Aquatic genet

The aquatic genet (Genetta piscivora), also known as the fishing genet, is a special kind of genet that lives only in the northeast part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This animal is very rare, and scientists know about it mainly from about 30 specimens kept in natural history museums. Because so little was known about it, it was listed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List since 1996. This means that scientists didn’t have enough information to tell how safe or endangered the animal was. In 2015, after more study, the aquatic genet was changed to Near Threatened, meaning it might be at risk in the future.

The aquatic genet was first described by a scientist named Joel Asaph Allen in 1919. He gave it the name Osbornictis piscivora. But in 2004, after studying its DNA and other molecular information, scientists decided it should be considered part of the Genetta group instead of its own special group. This shows how our understanding of animals can grow as we learn more about them.

Characteristics

The aquatic genet has long, dense fur that is dark chestnut red with no spots or bands. Its head is pale brown with white spots near the eyes and muzzle, and its ears have long white hairs inside and black edges outside. The tail is bushy and black with lighter brown fur underneath, and the soles of its feet are not covered in fur. These features make it look different from other genets. It also has smaller nose and smell-related parts in its brain, suggesting it may not rely heavily on its sense of smell. Its strong teeth show it is adapted to eating fish.

Adult males range from 44.5 to 49.5 cm (about 17.5 to 19.5 inches) in body length, with tails from 34 to 41.5 cm (13.4 to 16.3 inches) long. One male weighed 1.43 kg (about 3.2 pounds), and a female weighed 1.5 kg (about 3.3 pounds).

Distribution and habitat

Aquatic genets have only been found in rainforests east of the Congo River and in the Tshopo District. They live at heights between 460 to 1,500 metres above sea level. Scientists think their home is limited to thick, green lowland and submontane forests in the Congo Basin. They have not been found for sure in Uganda.

Ecology and behavior

Aquatic genets are believed to live alone and are most active at dawn and dusk. They mainly eat freshwater fish such as catfish, barbels, squeakers, and carps, as well as crustaceans. They might sense fish movements with their whiskers or catch fish by tapping the water's surface with them.

So far, scientists only know that a pregnant female was found in December. More information about how they have babies or raise their young is still unknown.

Threats

It is not clear if there are any big dangers to aquatic genets. Sometimes, they get caught in special traps set by certain people who live in the Ituri Forest.

Conservation

In 1979, the aquatic genet was given full protection by the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is thought to live in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.