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Scientists extracted DNA from mummified cheetah remains and made a surprising discovery
Genome analysis of mummified cheetahs reveals presence of both Asiatic and Northwest African subspecies, aiding targeted reintroduction planning in Saudi Arabia.
- Researchers at the National Center for Wildlife extracted complete genomes from three mummified cheetah remains, revealing at least two subspecies once roamed Arabia, with two specimens closer to the Northwest African cheetah, Al Boug said.
- Scientists found three naturally mummified cheetahs in five caves near Arar, with radiocarbon dating placing two between about 130 and 1,870 years ago.
- Alongside mummified adults, researchers found young and adult cheetah remains and skeletal remains of 54 additional cats, indicating breeding populations as cheetahs now occupy only 9% of their historic range.
- The study refines historical timelines and landscape use for cheetahs in the peninsula, showing multi-lineage occupation in northern Saudi Arabia years ago and guiding reintroduction efforts with ecologically appropriate source populations.
- The authors plan further analyses of remaining mummies and skeleton fragments as historical human impacts caused local cheetah extinction in the 1970s, while large protected areas reduce threats and support recovery.
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When scientists from Saudi Arabia's National Wildlife Center inspected caves for wildlife between 2022 and 2023, they found something unexpected: seven naturally mummified cheetahs in five caves near the northern city of...
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Total News Sources12
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution91% Center
Bias Distribution
- 91% of the sources are Center
91% Center
C 91%
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