In Europe, an increase in the population of forest cats in the wild was noted

In European countries, forest cats have been spotted again — predatory animals that were very common, but have almost completely disappeared. This was reported by the BBC on January 17.

It is noted that forest cats are very similar to domestic cats, but slightly larger in size. They lead a very secretive lifestyle compared to other animals, which helped them avoid complete extermination. In some regions of Europe, such cats have already been considered extinct, as they have not been observed anywhere for decades.

"Other animals usually follow the same trails. And forest cats can walk wherever they want," said Italian biologist Adrea de Giovanni.

Now they have invisibly captured European forests and have become more and more often caught in camera traps. Their DNA samples were collected using bait sticks, which they like to rub against. According to biologists, the population of forest cats in Europe has reached about 140 thousand individuals, but it is still very difficult to find them.

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On December 26, 2025, Science X magazine reported the discovery of a rare wild flathead cat in Thailand, where the animal had also been considered extinct for decades. He was photographed again almost 30 years after the last confirmed encounter. According to estimates by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are about 2.5 thousand adult individuals left in the wild around the world.

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