Mysterious 'cat-fox' discovered, may be a new species

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Wildlife experts on the French island of Corsica have discovered an unusual “cat-fox,” which may be a new species. AFP reports that a number of the felines have been captured in the northern part of the Mediterranean island by officials from France’s National Hunting and Wildlife Office (ONCFS). Known as “chat-renard” (cat-fox) in French and “Ghjattu volpe” in the Corsican language, the animals have long been part of local legend

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Wildlife rangers showed AFP a “cat-fox” that had been captured in Corsica’s Asco Forest. Measuring about 35 inches from head to tail, the animal has “very wide” ears, “highly developed” canines and short whiskers, according to officials. The animal also has a thick coat, stripes on its front legs and dark hind legs.

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A “cat-fox” was found in a chicken coop in 2008, sparking research into the elusive animals. Since 2016 officials have captured 12 of 16 “cat-foxes” spotted in the local area. After the felines have been studied, they are released. In a tweet, which has been translated from the Corsican language, Gilles Simeoni, president of Corsica’s executive council, thanked the ONCF team for its work on the project. Corsica, he noted, is a "paradise of animal and plant biodiversity."

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