Video-recording of rusty-spotted genets (Genetta maculata) consuming cave bats: implications for pathogen transmission

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.