Discovery and Classification
A fossil of a small cat species, named , was found in Hualongdong Cave, , believed to be between 275,000 and 331,000 years old.
This species is part of the leopard cat genus and is considered the smallest known fossil member of the family, potentially smaller than current smallest cats like the rusty-spotted cat.
Implications and Further Research
The discovery offers insights into the diversity of felines during the late Middle Pleistocene and suggests a possible link between leopard cats and ancestors of domestic cats and Pallas's cat.
Researchers plan to survey more fossil cats globally to trace the origins and past diversity of the cat family, highlighting the significance of the find in understanding feline evolution.