Corsican Wildcat (Felis catus)

Description

European bobcat in beautiful nature habitat
photocech / Adobe Stock

The Corsican wildcat, scientifically known as Felis catus, is an isolated feral cat population that was once considered a subspecies of the African wildcat, Felis lybica. This elusive feline is known for its nocturnal behavior, which has contributed to its recent discovery. Initial DNA research has revealed that it differs significantly from the European wildcat, emphasizing its unique genetic and ecological characteristics.

Appearance

Grey fierce looking wildcat
romanchoknadii / Envato

The Corsican wildcat possesses a distinctive appearance, characterized by its medium-sized, slender body and a coat featuring a range of colors, including various shades of gray, brown, and black. Notably, its coat may exhibit tabby-like markings, setting it apart from other wildcat species. The subtle nuances in its physical features distinguish it from both the European wildcat and the African wildcat, emphasizing its genetic and evolutionary divergence.

Distribution

Shy wildcat looking back
WildMediaSK / Envato

The Corsican wildcat is primarily found on the island of Corsica, where it has been introduced and established since the early first millennium. This unique population has adapted to the island’s diverse habitats, including forests, mountainous areas, and waterways. The distribution of the Corsican wildcat is restricted to this specific region, making it an intriguing subject for conservation efforts and genetic studies.

Habitat Preferences

The Corsican wildcat thrives in a range of ecosystems, including forests, mountainous terrain, and water-rich areas. Its ability to adapt to these diverse habitats reflects its resilience and resourcefulness. The species’ survival and well-being are supported by the rich biodiversity of Corsica, including the presence of prey species and suitable denning sites. The conservation of these habitats is crucial for the continued existence of this unique feline population.

Facts About Corsican Wildcat

  1. The Corsican wildcat is an isolated feral cat population that used to be considered a subspecies of the African wildcat (source:ย Animalia.bio).
  2. It has been variously regarded as a separate species of its own (source:ย Wikipedia).
  3. The Corsican wildcat has a distinctive ringed tail with two to four rings and a black tip (source:ย Ripley’s).
  4. They measure roughly 35 inches long from tail to head (source:ย Ripley’s).
  5. Genetic studies have compared the genomic information of Corsican wildcats to domestic cats and European wildcats (source:ย PubMed).
  6. The Corsican wildcat population has been the subject of population genomics research (source:ย Wiley Online Library).
  7. The Corsican wildcat is a feral domestic cat population (source:ย Mindat).
  8. It is found in Corsica and mainland France (source:ย Wiley Online Library).
  9. The taxonomic status of the Corsican wildcat is still uncertain (source:ย PubMed).
  10. The Corsican wildcat has been the subject of research into its population genomics, paving the way toward a better understanding of this unique population (source:ย Wiley Online Library).

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