-
13 people drown in France during heatwave weekend, announce authorities
Several teenagers who died were swimming in forbidden areas.
-
European beaver confirmed living in Gironde
After decades of absence, signs of the protected species have been verified near Bordeaux by France’s biodiversity agency
-
How long will the extreme heat last in France?
Red alerts to continue for much of the country with 42C forecast (in the shade) in some areas
New species of wildcat seen in France – at last
A species of wildcat – the chat-renard (fox cat) – that was considered to be a legend has finally been discovered.
The species, found on Corsica, is the same height as a domestic cat but longer, with thick grey-and-ginger fur and long canine teeth. It could have appeared as early as 6,500BC, according to researchers.
Pierre Benedetti, of the Office national de la chasse et de la faune sauvage (ONCFS), said: “It is not so much a discovery as a revelation.”
The cat has long been the subject of islanders’ stories but it is the first time it has been scientifically recognised.
Researchers have identified 16 cats around the Vallée d’Asco in Haute-Corse and have caught 12. “We study them and then release them back into the wild,” said Mr Benedetti.
