Europe's Ghost Cat: Rare Wildcat Rediscovered, Thriving in Forests

• The European wildcat, nicknamed the "ghost cat" for its elusive nature, has been rediscovered in parts of Europe where it was thought to have vanished.
• Wildlife photographer Vladimír Čech Jr captured images in the Doupov Mountains in 2020, confirming its continued presence.
• The wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) is larger and wilder than domestic cats, with a striped coat, and avoids human contact.
• Despite new sightings through 2026, its populations remain small, fragmented, and threatened by habitat loss and hybridization with domestic cats.
• The rediscovery is crucial for European wildlife conservation, allowing scientists to study and protect this rare species.

Why It Matters: Europe's elusive "ghost cat" has been rediscovered, highlighting the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.