Fossil Discovery in China May Reveal the Smallest Cat Species Ever Found

Science

1 year ago

News sources:

Credited from: SCMP

Chinese scientists have discovered a **fossilized jaw fragment** that may belong to the smallest cat, found in Hualongdong cave, dating back 30,000 years.
The species, named **Prionailurus kurteni**, is believed to be **smaller than a house cat**, comparable to modern small cats like the rusty-spotted cat.
Researchers indicate the rare finding is linked to the cave environment, which helped preserve the remains of this extinct **leopard cat**.
The study suggests that ancient humans may have interacted with these cats, although evidence of their diet connection remains unclear.
This discovery adds to a decade of research in the cave, which includes fossils of **20 ancient humans** and over **80 vertebrate species**.

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