Factors determining "gaps" in the distribution of a small carnivore, the common genet (Genetta genetta), in central Spain

[EN] We studied the pattern of distribution of the common genet (Genetta genetta) in areas in mountains and plains of central Spain, in the middle of the range of the species. We evaluated the role of temperature, rainfall, and habitat features in determining the ecological limits of genet distribution. Genets were very scarce on plateaux and the upper parts of the mountains, but were widely distributed in lower mountain areas. Genets were present in areas with abundant shrub cover, high mean of the mean minimum temperature and high mean of mean winter temperatures. Survey routes at the same altitude (<1000 m) in the mountains (genets abundant) and on the plateaux (genets very scarce) also differed in some of these variables, with low values on the plateaux for shrub cover, mean of the mean minimum temperatures, mean of the mean winter temperatures, and annual rainfall. Genets originated in Africa, therefore they are probably ill-adapted (morphologically and physiologically) for the cold conditions predominating in most of central Spain. Their preference for shrubby habitats may be linked to a greater availability of food and low risk of predation. Intermediate levels of rainfall may be correlated with higher temperatures, the key factor hypothesized to affect the distribution of this species. The distribution of the common genet fits a multimodal model, with peaks (presence) and valleys (absence) in the middle of its range, indicating that location in a particular part of the range is not a prior indicator of habitat suitability for the species.[FR] Nous avons étudié la répartition des genets (Genetta genetta) dans les montagnes et les plaines du centre de l'Espagne, au milieu de l'aire de répartition de l'espèce. Nous avons évalué l'influence de la température, des précipitations et des caractéristiques de l'habitat sur l'établissement des limites écologiques de la répartition de l'espèce. Les genets sont très rares sur les plateaux et au haut des montagnes, mais ils sont bien répandus dans la partie basse des montagnes. Ils fréquentent les zones buissonneuses où la moyenne des températures minimales moyennes et la température moyenne en hiver sont élevées. Les routes empruntées pour faire l'inventaire à la même altitude (