First North African record of a melanistic common genet (Genetta genetta Linnaeus, 1758)

The common genet (Genetta genetta Linnaeus, 1758) is a rare and protected mammal species in Algeria. We report the first melanistic individual of this species ever recorded in North Africa. Such animals have only been recorded in Spain and Portugal so far. It is unclear why melanistic common genets seem to be so rare in its African range. More research is needed to determine the true occurrence of melanistic individuals, and what the evolutionary history of melanism is in common genets.

A LATE PLEISTOCENE ENDEMIC GENET (CARNIVORA, VIVERRIDAE) FROM AGHIA NAPA, CYPRUS

The Pleistocene endemic fauna of Cyprus consists mainly of dwarf hippos and elephants, adapted to the insular environment. Among the rare elements of this endemic fauna is a small carnivore, the viverrid Genetta plesictoides, poorly known from scanty material that comes from two localities. Recent excavations in a rockshelter site at the area of Aghia Napa yielded —apart from a rich hippo sample—new skeletal remains (a partial skull and a tibia) of the cypriot genet. The dental morphology shows adaptations towards a more carnivorous diet in relation to the extant Genetta genetta.