Guess who's a pure African Wildcat
Yes, we've received the test results back from SANBI, and this kitten is a Pure African Wildcat.
What does this mean? Well, each species have what is called genetic markers. Pure species match to all the genetic markers exactly. Hybrids will only match to some genetic markers, which will prove they are not a pure species. Domestic cats are interbred so extensively that even though they may be the descendants of wild species (such as the African Wildcat), their genetics no longer match up to pure wild cat species anymore. So, you might find small residual DNA from wild cat species still in domestic cats, when you match up genetic markers, they no longer match up completely to any pure wild species. Anything less that a 90% genetic match is not considered a pure species.
We love what we do, and how we do it.
We can't do it without help though. There are a lot of animals, and just a few of us, so please consider supporting our work. Our wildlife patients need all the help they can get!