North American genet (SciiFii)

The North American genet (Genetta americanum), also known simply as the American genet, is a species of genet (Genetta) that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, shrublands, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The closest living relative of the North American genet is the common genet (Genetta genetta) of Africa and Europe. The North American genet has a slender, cat-like body, a small head with a pointed muzzle, large oval ears, large eyes and well-developed whiskers up to 7 centimeters (2.8 inches) in length. Its legs are short, with cat-like feet and semi-retractile claws. Its fur is dense and soft, and the coat is sandy blonde, with a pale underbelly and numerous black markings. The back and flanks are marked with about five rows of black spots, and a long black stripe runs along the middle of the back from the shoulders to the rump. There is also a black stripe on the forehead, and dark patches beneath the eyes, which are offset against the white fur of the chin and throat. The tail is striped, with anything from eight to thirteen rings along its length. Its body is 43 to 55 centimeters (17 to 22 inches) long with a 33 to 52 centimeters (13 to 20 inches) long tail. Males weigh an average of 2 kg (4.4 lb) and are about 10% larger than females. It has an erectile crest of hair from the shoulder to the base of the tail, a white tail tip and black hind feet. Melanistic individuals have been recorded. The North American genet has a varied diet comprising small mammals, lizards, birds, bird eggs, amphibians, centipedes, millipedes, scorpions, insects and fruit, including figs and olives, to name a few. The rats and mice are the favourite prey items, it also preys on squirrels and cavies. North American 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. The North American genet is a solitary species in the wild. 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. North American 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 North American 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. North American 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. Copulation lasts about two to three minutes, and is repeated up to five times in the same night. After a gestation period of 10 to 11 weeks, up to four young are born. Newborn North American 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 North American genets have lived up to 16 years. The conservation status of the North American genet is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the North American genet's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.