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Ancient Cat Species Discovered in China's Hualongdong Cave

1/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking discovery in Hualongdong Cave, eastern China, unveiled a new prehistoric cat species, Prionailurus kurteni, roughly the size of a palm and dating back 300,000 years. Its remains hint at a fascinating connection to today’s domestic cats. The cave's human fossils reveal a vibrant ecosystem where early humans and these small felines thrived together.

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Story summary

A groundbreaking discovery in Hualongdong Cave, eastern China, unveiled a new prehistoric cat species, Prionailurus kurteni, roughly the size of a palm and dating back 300,000 years. Its remains hint at a fascinating connection to today’s domestic cats. The cave's human fossils reveal a vibrant ecosystem where early humans and these small felines thrived together.