Urban roost temperatures of large-spotted-genets: The effect of anthropogenic structures

Abstract

Generally, large-spotted genets (Genetta tigrina) use tree hollows and canopies as daytime roosts during their inactive phase. However, there has been an increasing tendency for individuals to make use of anthropogenic structures, such as roofs, within urban landscapes in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This study investigated the roosting thermal dynamics of large-spotted genets within the urban suburbs of Kloof. Roost temperatures were recorded with i-Button® temperature loggers at known large-spotted genet roosts in anthropogenic structures as well as in natural roost sites. Over the seasons, temperatures varied significantly between months and among different roosts. However, anthropogenic roost temperatures were higher than ambient temperatures throughout the study period. Furthermore, anthropogenic roosts had higher temperatures (with lower variability) than natural roost sites. This study highlighted the importance of anthropogenic structures as daytime roosts for large-spotted genets within an urban mosaic. However, high temperatures experienced during the summer can be detrimental to juvenile large-spotted genets resulting in plasticity of breeding behaviour and a switch to producing young in cooler months.