When a myth becomes reality: that's how the discovery of the new species of cat that has only been considered to be a legend for centuries could be described.
Stories were told about the mythical "cat fox" on the French island of Corsica for generations. It was part of many myths and fairy tales. People even attributed magical powers to it. The animal looked like a big cat. It had a bushy tail, long canines and the color of a fox. For a long time they were considered to be a mere myth, until a few were caught in a remote part of the island.
The newly discovered cat is truly big (about 90 cm in length) and more powerful than European cats, and it has longer fangs in proportion to its body. Its extremely thick coat, which protects it from fleas and ticks, is indeed similar to that of a fox in color and patterns. It prefers a nocturnal life, which is why it was only discovered recently. According to initial DNA research, it does not have much in common with European wild cats. It has been found to be more closely related to the African wildcat, which raised many other questions. How did it get across the sea from the African continent to the European island?
The very first individual was caught quite randomly in a chicken coop in 2008. 4 years later researchers placed wooden sticks around the island, which the cats like to smell and rub against. This is how they first received the DNA and fur samples from the animal. Since 2016, more than 10 specimens have been captured, studied and released again.
Experts from the French National Office for Hunting and Wildlife continue to observe and study this gold-striped cat to determine its identity, identify its origins and learn about the animal's eating and other habits. Scientists also advocate the protection and recognition of the Corsican wildcat as a new species of wild cat.
Have you seen the "fox cat"? If not, you can take a look at it here. I'm curious what other facts scientists will discover about it.
Although I sometimes temporarily care of some brown rats, I still consider myself to be a beginner in brown rat keeping. In the beginning of this year, a white lab brown rat ended up in my temporary care. I noticed that Běluše (that’s how I called her...
It sits with great difficulties. It also looks like it is very painful. It seems that any contact of the tail and ground causes great pain. As well as any touch when I try to find out what’s wrong with its tail. We came back from swimming where our dog...
Summer fun begins now. And I can’t imagine a summer without our activities together with my dog. What about you? Plan where you and your doggie could spend time before the temperatures are scorching and not a single branch moves on trees and we all...
Some dogs are already born with sensitive digestion, at some it may occur later in life. Or an allergy for a component of the food they used to like and we considered as suitable may occur. For such cases, meat cans can be a great supplement of normal...
If you decide to head to the streets of your city during a hot summer day, remember that pavements you will be walking on are much warmer that the air. In general, I try to go out with my dog during hot summer days as least as possible but if we go...
That brown rats are social rodents and love and look for the closeness of not only other brown rats but also their owners is a well-known fact. They feel lonely and sad without any interaction
Weekend or holiday is here and you are thinking about what to pack? You definitely shouldn’t forget your first-aid kit. And also the one for your dog! Properly equipped first-aid kit is a must. If you are struggling with deciding what should be...
Our personal experience is what influences us most in our opinions. But if we don’t have it or can’t get it at least from a friend or family member, it is more difficult for us to imagine how living with a giant furry friend looks like. And if it comes...
The best option for living of a small rodent are big aquariums, plastic boxes or cages. And I don’t mean big as high but rather with as big area as possible. Hamsters are naturally running creatures and need enough space. Max has a space of the...
If you are going for your holiday by car, you may be considering bringing another passenger with you. Your dog can be a great companion, so you don´t want to leave it at home. However, your time off by the sea might hide various obstacles, starting...
Turkey, the homeland of angoras and Turkish Vans is almost cats’ paradise. Even though veterinary care is quite expensive here, also cats living outside are taken care of well. Even in large cities like Istanbul and Ankara you can encounter a lot of...
When I was a child, our dog changed my life. He taught me lifetime love for living beings but also responsibility, patience and caring for others. Scientist has found out those are not the only benefits the life with an animal has for children....
