Ecosphere (Nov 2024)

Video of rusty‐spotted genets consuming bats and other prey: Behaviors observed and eco‐epidemiological considerations

  • Morgane Labadie,
  • Emmanuel Do Linh San,
  • Serge Morand,
  • Alexandre Caron,
  • Fabien Roch Niama,
  • Guytrich Franel Nguilili,
  • N'Kaya Tobi,
  • Hélène Marie De Nys,
  • Mathieu Bourgarel

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.70011
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 11
pp. n/a – n/a

Abstract

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Abstract Following the implementation of a camera trap‐monitoring protocol of interactions between cave bats and wildlife in the Republic of Congo, we identified sustained rusty‐spotted genet (Genetta maculata) activity in Boundou cave. This cave, consisting of a single chamber, is home to a colony of several species of insectivorous bats throughout the year. Between 2022 and 2023, we recorded four events of bat or rodent consumption, one hunting attempt on bats and three feeding behaviors on insects. We describe and discuss the various behaviors and briefly elaborate on the potential epidemiological implications of bat consumption. To the best of our knowledge, our videos are the first to depict the consumption of bats by rusty‐spotted genets.

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