Natali Anderson reports New Prehistoric Cat Species Discovered in Spain (‘The new cat species, named Magerifelis peignei, lived in what is now Spain some 15.5 million years ago’):
It belonged to Felinae, a subfamily of small cats having a bony hyoid because of which they are able to purr but not roar.
The new cat species, named Magerifelis peignei, lived in what is now Spain some 15.5 million years ago (Middle Miocene epoch).
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The estimated body mass of Magerifelis peignei is 7.61 kg, which falls within the range of female individuals of Lynx rufus, Leptailurus serval, and Caracal caracal.
Scientists in Spain discovered a new small cat species that existed ~15.5 million years ago. It's estimated to have weighed only about 16 lbs, but had a strong bite & may have suffocated prey in their jaws. They named it Magerifelis peignei (Madrid Cat). https://t.co/nREB1m0EWI
— Felidae Conservation Fund (@FelidaeFund) January 22, 2024