john hawks weblog

paleoanthropology, genetics and evolution

New carnivore found on Borneo

Wed, 2005-12-07 08:32 -- John Hawks

This news story in the Sydney Morning Herald describes it, and has a secret-nighttime-flash picture.

"We have consulted several Bornean wildlife experts. Some thought it looked like a lemur, but most were convinced it was a new species of carnivore," [WWF biologist Stephen] Wulffraat told a news conference.

I liked this line:

"We're 90 per cent sure that this was a new species of carnivore," he said, adding that a live specimen is needed to be 100 per cent certain.

Well, a live animal would sure make up your mind! On these standards, I suppose finding a new fossil shouldn't make paleoanthropologists more than 20 percent certain of finding new species!

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paleonews

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