Discover the mysterious “fox cat” species

According to information from AFP, several big cats have been captured in the northern part of the Mediterranean island by officials of France’s National Wildlife and Hunting Office (ONCFS).

Called “chat-renard” (fox cat) in French and “Ghjattu volpe” in Corsican, these animals have long been part of local lore.

Wildlife rangers show AFP a “fox cat” has been caught in Corsica’s Asco forest. It is about 35 inches (89 cm) long from head to tail, has “very wide” ears, “well-developed” fangs and short antennae, it also has a thick coat with stripes on its front legs and legs. dark after.

Before that, a “fox cat” was found in a chicken coop in 2008, sparking research into new and elusive animals in the wild. Since 2016, officials have captured 12 of the 16 “fox cats” discovered in the local area and, after research, have been released into the wild.

According to AFP, experts say the animal is different from the European wildcat, which is found across most of Europe, and there is speculation that the species may have originated in the Middle East.

Director of Environmental Engineering of the French Office of Forests and Hunting (ONFCS), Pierre Bendetti says:

“We believe this is a known wild species that has not been scientifically identified as it is an extremely elusive animal with a nocturnal habit. The fox cat is part of the family. legends of the local shepherds. From generation to generation, they tell each other stories of wildcats that would attack the udders of their goats and goats.”

The fox cat differs from an ordinary domesticated cat in a few small ways. It is known in Corsican as “ghjattu volpe”, “chat renard” in French and “cat-fox” in English. RFI, France’s current affairs radio station, describes it as being longer than the average cat with larger ears, longer fangs and a tuft of black fur at the end of its tail.

Local authorities have spent more than 10 years trying to gather more information about this animal. They used infrared traps to collect the fur, which suggests that the “fox”‘s DNA is different from that of European wildcats on the continent. RFI reports that ONCFS was then able to trap 16 creatures living in the Asco Valley at altitudes up to 2,500 meters above sea level.

The fox cats were then fitted with electronic chips so the hub could track their movements; many of which form the basis of research presented to the public this week.

The Corsican “fox cat” is an animal. In 2005, a creature similar to the Corsican “fox cat” was discovered in Borneo. In 2010, the BBC reported on the discovery of a carnivorous mongoose-like creature in Madagascar.