Mummified cheetahs found in Saudi caves shed light on lost populations

Scientists have uncovered mummified remains of cheetahs from caves in northern Saudi Arabia. The seven mummies range from 130 to over 1,800 years old. Mummification prevents decay by preserving dead bodies. Researchers aren’t sure how these new cats got mummified, but the caves’ dry conditions and stable temperature could have played a role. In a first for naturally mummified large cats, scientists also peeked at the cheetahs’ genes. That could help with future efforts to reintroduce the cats to places where they no longer live. The study was published Thursday in the journal Communications Earth and Environment.