The smallest cat known to science may have been found in China

19.01.2025/09/30 XNUMX:XNUMX    789

Chinese paleontologists have discovered the fossil of a unique cat, Prionailurus kurteni, in the Hualundong Cave, which is probably the smallest cat in history — its size did not exceed the human palm.

The fossilized lower jaw fragment with two teeth belonged to an animal that lived about 300 years ago. It was part of the genus Prionailurus, which includes modern leopard cats. Unlike its relatives, which weigh up to 4 kilograms and are up to 70 centimeters long, Prionailurus kurteni was almost half as small, with a body length of about 35–50 centimeters and a weight of only 1 kilogram.

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The discovery in Hualundong Cave is important for understanding the evolution of the cat family. Researchers suggest that the miniature cat hunted small rodents that lived alongside primitive humans and ate their leftover food. This confirms its adaptation to the environment and food chain of that time.

Jaw fragment found in a cave

Features of the jaw and teeth of Prionailurus kurteni indicate its relationship to the ancestors of modern leopard cats, manuls and domestic cats. The study, published in the journal Fennic Zoological Annals, was the first to provide fossil evidence of such a relationship.

Hualundong Cave — a true paleontological treasure trove, where the remains of about 20 ancient humans and more than 80 species of vertebrates, including extinct pandas and other mammals, have already been found. These discoveries allow scientists to better understand the ecosystem of that period, the lifestyle of ancient humans, and their impact on biodiversity.

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Prionailurus kurteni — is not only a new species, but also part of the great mystery of evolution, which reveals the unique balance between natural conditions and the adaptation of organisms to them.


cikavosti.com