For centuries, Corsican folklore spoke of a mysterious wild cat roaming the island’s mountains. Locals called it “ghjattu volpe” or “fox-cat,” a creature that remained largely hidden in remote areas.
These elusive felines were the stuff of myth and legend for some 200 years, with stories of them attacking livestock in the Corsican hills. Many doubted their existence as a separate species.
Now, after years of dedicated research, French authorities have officially confirmed what islanders have long believed: the fox-cat is indeed a unique species. The French government’s biodiversity agency OFB made the announcement on March 23, 2023.
A Researcher’s Lifelong Quest
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Pierre Benedetti, who leads a small team from the National Office for Hunting and Wildlife (ONCFS), has been studying these mysterious cats since 2008. For him, the journey began much earlier.
“I had heard about this animal since I was a child but we never saw it. There was this mythology surrounding it,” Benedetti explained. His dedication has finally paid off, with his team capturing and studying about 20 fox-cats over the past decade.
The research required tremendous patience and specialized techniques. Using baits and scents, Benedetti’s team carefully captured specimens that were briefly anesthetized to be studied, measured, and fitted with tracking devices before being released back into the wild.
“Of course, it’s a job I’m passionate about,” Benedetti remarked. “Without passion, a job like this is impossible, especially since nobody believed in the fox-cat.”
Distinctive Features of the Corsican cat
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The fox-cat stands apart from domestic cats in several key ways. Measuring around 85 centimeters (33 inches) long including its tail, it’s significantly larger than household cats.
Its distinctive coat pattern, fur texture, and ear width all contribute to its unique appearance. “It’s not the size that differentiates it,” notes Benedetti. “There is the color of the coat, the texture, the width of the ears… a lot of elements that differentiate it from a domestic animal.”
Despite its name, researchers confirm the fox-cat “has nothing to do with the fox. It is a cat.” In fact, Benedetti suggests it may represent “the ancestor of the domestic cat,” potentially offering new insights into feline evolution.
Tracking the Elusive Mountain Dweller
The research team has fitted nine fox-cats with GPS collars, revealing fascinating details about their behavior and habitat. These trackers show the cats travel enormous distances and climb to impressive altitudes of up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) in Corsica’s mountainous terrain.
These tracking efforts have helped scientists better understand the species’ range, hunting patterns, and territory size. The animals appear well-adapted to Corsica’s diverse landscapes, from lowland scrub to high mountain regions.
The fox-cat’s remarkable climbing abilities and extensive range help explain why the species remained largely hidden from scientific observation for so long, despite featuring prominently in local folklore.
The Path to Official Recognition
The French biodiversity agency OFB is leading efforts for full scientific classification of the fox-cat. The organization plans to publish comprehensive research findings next year in a scientific article.
This documentation will be submitted to the International Institute for Species Exploration for official consideration. The process is highly competitive – only 10 new species are added to the official list each year, from approximately 18,000 applications worldwide.
For Benedetti, official recognition would represent the culmination of a lifelong quest. “It will only be a true success when it is on the recognized list of wild species,” he said.
The confirmation of the fox-cat’s unique status represents an exciting development for biologists, highlighting how even in well-explored regions like Europe, distinctive species can remain scientifically undocumented despite being known to local communities for generations.
