Discovered new leopard species in Southeast Asia

The zebra leopard found on Sumatra and Borneo island represents a new species, genetic research by international conservation experts WWF shows.

Until now, it was thought that they belonged to the leopard species that lived on the great Southeast Asian continent. Now, scientists believe these two species differentiated from more than 1 million years ago, and have evolved independently since then. DNA tests show there are about 40 differences between them.

Zebra Leopard is the largest predator on the island of Borneo.

In terms of appearance, striped leopard on Borneo and Sumatra islands have smaller stripes, with many dark, gray and dark spots, and two parallel stripes on the back. Meanwhile, their cousins ​​living on the continent have large stripes, with fewer spots and lighter spots, and their feathers are lighter and more aggressive.

"It's hard to believe no one has ever realized these differences," one expert said.

Recent findings have increased the importance of protecting biodiversity in Borneo. This is the island belonging to 3 governments: Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

Photo of new leopard species in Borneo provided by WWF (Photo: TTO)

T. An