Multi-scale habitat use and selection of common genet Genetta genetta (Viverridae, Carnivora) in a Mediterranean environment

We assessed habitat use and selection of 16 radio-tracked adult common genets (Genetta genetta) using log-linear models at three different scales (plot, home range and core area) in a Mediterranean area situated in northeast Iberian Peninsula. Genets demonstrate flexibility in habitat use and select habitats using different criteria depending on the scale of analysis, although they show clear selection for habitats formed by forest areas with a tree layer and dense underbrush vegetation cover. Vegetation cover is the most important factor determining habitat selection across all scales. Selections within home range and core area are very similar, with genets showing a preference for pine forest, ravine and holm oak forest over other habitat types (crops, lowland sparse, maquis vegetation and anthropized areas). In resting sites, genets show a strong preference for ravines. Ravine was also the only habitat that is present in the home ranges and core areas of all individuals. Vegetation-associated ravines provide the most cover of all available habitats, and therefore we conclude that these habitats are selected by genets to provide the resources they need. We recommend that management should maintain vegetation cover to preserve the populations of genets.