Genet and Civet diet and microbiome

We are two MSc students from the University of Copenhagen. Working towards studying microbiome and diet of African mammals, with Michael Thomas-Poulsen as supervisor (http://research.ku.dk/search/profil/?id=227714) 
The aim of this project is to obtain a better understanding of the link between the bacteria present in the guts and the diet of three African mammals; African civet (Civettictis civetta), common genet (Genetta genetta) and large spotted genet (Genetta maculata). These species are predominantly carnivorous, but they feed on a variety of prey, and also on fruits and seeds.

The Africa civet are specialized in feeding on toxic millipeeds, but it is unknown how it is able to feed on these toxic prey, but gut bacteria may help break down cyanide, the toxic compound. 
Studies have shown that the two species of genet mainly feed on rodents, possibly creating competition between the two. The common genet and large spotted genet are only found with overlapping ranges in northern South Africa. We therefor propose to examine differences in diet and microbiome between overlapping and non overlapping sites, by collectin and analyzing faecal samples from both South Africa, Mozambique and Swaziland  for all three species.

We will collect faecal samples over a periode from September to December 2017 in Gorongosa (Mozambique), Lajuma (South Africa) and Mlawula and Mbuluzi (Swaziland). The samples will be sent back to the University of Copenhagen, where we will analyse the gut bacteria communities and the composition of the diet, using molecular methods in the laboratory. 

We are applying for funding through different travel and research grants, but it will be insufficient to cover all the travel cost and molecular analysis. The money raised through this crowd funding approach, will help in financing the molecular analysis.

We hope you will support our work and if you are interested in hearing more about the project, you can always email us. 

Thanks 
Malou and Emilia