RDN

Leopards in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa are only about half the size of other African leopards. Whole-genome analysis identified about 90 genes that may be related to the size difference. Isolation of this population evidently occurred 20-24,000 years ago.

Summary: https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-finally-solve-the-mystery-of-south-africas-tiny-leopards/

Original paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41437-026-00822-z

#Science #Wildlife #Nature #Leopards #Genetics #Evolution

Scientists Finally Solve the Mystery of South Africa’s Tiny Leopards

Cape leopards are small, genetically distinct, and locally adapted, making them a conservation priority in one of Africa’s most unusual landscapes.

SciTechDaily
May 19 at 4:20pmWeb
Show threadFaraiweMay 19
@rdnielsen don't tell us, they were designed by Studio Ghibli.