Corsica cat fox officially recognised as new species (1/4)

An animal that looks like an overgrown domestic cat has finally been given scientific recognition as a new species. There are just 16 cat-foxes roaming around the northern parts of the Mediterranean island of Corsica, and efforts are being made to make them a protected species. They resemble domestic cats and measure 90cm from head to tail, have very wide ears, short whiskers and highly developed cainine teeth. Other distinguishing features include the stripes on the front legs, very dark hind legs and a russet stomach. The dense, silky coat is a natural repellent for fleas, ticks and lice. The tail usually has two to four rings and a black tip.(Photo/Agencies)

An animal that looks like an overgrown domestic cat has finally been given scientific recognition as a new species. There are just 16 cat-foxes roaming around the northern parts of the Mediterranean island of Corsica, and efforts are being made to make them a protected species. They resemble domestic cats and measure 90cm from head to tail, have very wide ears, short whiskers and highly developed cainine teeth. Other distinguishing features include the stripes on the front legs, very dark hind legs and a russet stomach. The dense, silky coat is a natural repellent for fleas, ticks and lice. The tail usually has two to four rings and a black tip.(Photo/Agencies)

An animal that looks like an overgrown domestic cat has finally been given scientific recognition as a new species. There are just 16 cat-foxes roaming around the northern parts of the Mediterranean island of Corsica, and efforts are being made to make them a protected species. They resemble domestic cats and measure 90cm from head to tail, have very wide ears, short whiskers and highly developed cainine teeth. Other distinguishing features include the stripes on the front legs, very dark hind legs and a russet stomach. The dense, silky coat is a natural repellent for fleas, ticks and lice. The tail usually has two to four rings and a black tip.(Photo/Agencies)

Researchers at the National Office for Hunting and Wildlife claim the Corsica “cat-fox” could be a new species of feline, following a study on the animal presented. Although the “cat-fox” initially appears to be a regular domesticated cat, it is actually quite bigger than the average feline, with larger ears and a body measuring around three feet in length, according to researchers involved with the study. The Corsica “cat-fox” also has overly-developed canine teeth and black tufts of fur at the end of its tail.(Photo/Agencies)