Tsushima leopard cat population shows unusual physical trait

A scientific team in Japan has identified an unusual morphological phenomenon in the Tsushima leopard cat, one of the world’s most endangered feline subspecies. Researchers from Kyoto University and Azabu University observed several individuals exhibiting extremely short tails, a physical trait previously undocumented in this species in the wild.

To investigate whether this anomaly was caused by hybridization with local domestic cats, scientists conducted a full genome analysis of an affected specimen. The study compared the genetic code against 15 wild cats with normal tails and five local domestic cats. The results conclusively showed no evidence of hybridization, confirming the affected individuals belong to the pure lineage of the native subspecies.

With external genetic contamination ruled out, the scientific community is now evaluating other factors, such as severe inbreeding or metabolic issues, to explain the physical variation.