Video-recording of rusty-spotted genets (Genetta maculata) consuming
cave bats: implications for pathogen transmission
Abstract
We present the first videos depicting the consumption of bats by
rusty-spotted genets (Genetta maculata) inside a cave in the Republic of
Congo. Following the implementation of a camera-trap monitoring protocol
of interactions between cave bats and wildlife, we identified important
genet activity in one of the caves in our study. Between 2022 and 2023,
we recorded four events of bat or rodent consumption (including two with
certainty on bats), one hunting attempt on bats and three feeding
behaviors on insects. We detail the various behaviors and discuss the
potential implications of genets consuming bats, rodents and insects,
and in particular scavenging on dead bats. Finally, we address the
potential implications of zoonotic pathogen transmission from bats to
humans via genets through the bushmeat trade.