Aquatic Genet

## About

A screenshot of an aquatic genet from a NAT GEO documentary.

The Aquatic genet ***(Genetta piscivora)*** formerly ***(Osbornictis piscivora)***, is an extremely rare species of African genet that is very seldom-seen, being listed as one of the rarest carnivorans in all of the African continent. When first described the aquatic genet was placed in the genus Osbornictis by American zoologist Joel Asaph Allen (1838-1921) however, after reassessments in 2014, the aquatic genet was placed in the viverrid genus of Genetta. Aquatic genets have characteristic slim/narrow bodies and brownish-red fur with white facial markings, framed by black or dark brown bands on their muzzle and black fur on their legs. Aquatic genets also have large black eyes, rounded ears, webbed paws and long whiskers ,which are used during hunting. The tail of the aquatic genet is long. It tapers and darkens until black at the tip, it is also characteristically slim. Two adult males measured from 44.5-49.5 cm (17.5-19.5 in) in head and body length with a 34-41.5 cm (13.4 to 16.3 in) long tail. One male weighed 1.43kg (3.2lbs), and a female 1.5kg (3.3lbs). The length of the female is unknown, as data is insufficient on the matter. As the aquatic genet is seldom-seen and even more seldom-photographed, further knowledge on the species' morphology is unknown.

## Diet

Aquatic genets are almost entirely piscivorous, meaning that they primarily eating fish. Aquatic genets hunt various freshwater African fish species, such as squeakers, barbels, catfish and carp as well as crustaceans.

## Conservation Status

The aquatic genet was previously listed as data deficient however, due to a reassessment in 2015, IUCN reclassed the species as near-threatened. immediate threats opposed to the species are unclear however, aquatic genets are commonly hunted by various pygmy peoples who live in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Most notably, the species is hunted by the Bambuti peoples, for the purpose of consumption by community elders. It is currently unknown whether these people pose a major threat to the aquatic genet's population. During 1979, the Congolese government granted full protection to the aquatic genet, prohibiting hunting of the species. It is suspected that the aquatic genet also occurs in Okapi wildlife reserve, which further protects their population.

## Range and Population

Aquatic genets have only been recorded in the northeast reaches of the DRC. It is unknown whether they occur in neighbouring countries such as; Uganda and Burundi, as they have not been recorded in these areas. Aquatic genets only occur near water sources, being dependent on fish as their main food source. The species is also known only to live in rainforest and inland wetland environments thus far, possibly at elevations ranging from 460-1,500m (1,510-4,920ft). The population of the aquatic genet is suspected to be around 10,000 mature individuals by the IUCN. Coupled with their relatively small population and conservation issues, the aquatic genet is also known to be decreasing in numbers.

## Behaviour

Aquatic genets are widely thought to be solitary and crepuscular, being active during hours of twilight. It is shown in this video by NAT GEO, that the aquatic genet hunts through means of tapping on the surface of water and feeling for prey with their whiskers. This process is known as 'dapping'. The aquatic genet can be seen in the video dapping the water before not sensing anything with its highly sensory whiskers and moving to a new point of the river. It then repeats the process, this time getting its face submerged before catching a fish. Dapping is likely unique to aquatic genets. In the video it is also said that the aquatic genet ''doesn't really enjoy getting wet''. If true this is extremely interesting however, it is unlikely. The breeding habits of the aquatic genet are completely unknown, with only one pregnant female being examined in the December of 1978. No information on the gestation period, reproduction or rearing of offspring was gathered from this individual and nothing has been since.

### Relationship with Humans

Other than being hunted often by pygmy peoples, the aquatic genet does not interact with humans often, being only modernly known from 30 specimens present in zoological collections. Unfortunately, this makes it extremely hard to study the species, as well as document many things about the animal such as behavioural and breeding habits.

## In Captivity

No aquatic genets have ever existed in captivity.

## Sources

* IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/15628/45201673
* Aquatic Genet | Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquatic\_genet
* What in the World is a Fishing Genet? | National Geographic YT Channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrTiP4ZIUfI