Genetta plesictoides (SciiFii)

The Cypriot genet (Genetta plesictoides) is a species of viverrid, most closely related to the common genet, that was originally endemic to Cyprus during the Late Pleistocene and was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and reintroduced to Cyprus to help boost biodiversity. The Cypriot genet is similar in size to the common genet. In comparison to its close relative, its dental morphology shows adaptations towards a more carnivorous diet, and is thus more carnivorous than its mainland relative. It has a varied diet comprising mainly small mammals, lizards, birds, bird eggs, amphibians, centipedes, millipedes, scorpions, and insects, including figs and olives. The wood mouse is a favourite prey item, It also prey on dormice (Eliomys quercinus). Cypriot genets locate their prey primarily by scent, and kill with a bite to the neck, like cats. Small rodents are captured by the back and killed with a bite at the head, then eaten starting with the head. Although almost exclusively carnivorous, the Cypriot genet is known to occasionally feed on fruits such as figs and olives. Adults are nocturnal and crepuscular, with their highest levels of activity following sunset and just prior to sunrise; juveniles may be active during the day. They rest during the day in hollow trees or among thickets, and frequently use the same resting sites. Both male and females scent mark in their home ranges. Females mark their territory using scent glands on their flanks, hind legs, and perineum. Males mark less frequently than females, often spraying urine, rather than using their scent glands, and do so primarily during the breeding season. Scent marks by both sexes allow individuals to identify the reproductive and social status of other genets. Cypriot genets also defecate at specific latrine sites, which are often located at the edge of their territories, and perform a similar function to other scent marks. Five communication calls have been reported. The hiccup call is used by males during the mating period and by females to call the litter. Kits purr during their first week of life and, during their dependent weeks, moan or mew. Kits also growl after the complete development of predatory behavior and during aggressive interactions. Finally, genets utter a "click" as a threat. Threatening behavior consists of erection of the dark central dorsal band of hair, an arched-back stance, opening the mouth, and baring the teeth. The common genet uses five distinct calls. The "hiccup" call is used to indicate friendly interactions, such as between a mother and her young, or between males and females prior to mating. Conversely, clicks, or, in younger individuals, growls, are used to indicate aggression. The remaining two calls, a "mew" and a purr, are used only by young still dependent on their mother. The Cypriot genets breed between January and September, with a peak in February and March and another one in the summer. Mating behaviour and development of young has been studied in captive individuals. After a gestation period of 10 to 11 weeks, up to four young are born. Newborn Cypriot genets weigh 60 to 85 grams (2.1 to 3.0 oz). They start eating meat at around seven weeks of age, and are fully weaned at four months of age. When five months old, they are skilled in hunting on their own. When 19 months old, they start marking, and are thought to be sexually mature at the age of two years. Captive Cypriot genets have lived up to 13 years. The conservation status of the Cypriot genet is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the Cypriot genet's tolerance to many of the human activities.