# Cartoon Commentary on Cat Species Discovery Misses the Mark on Actual Science
A cartoon published this week by Twisteddoodles in New Scientist takes a humorous jab at the discovery of a new cat species, but the joke underscores a real tension in biodiversity science: how many species actually remain unknown, and how we identify them.
The cartoon's timing coincides with legitimate ongoing work in felid taxonomy. Researchers continue to describe previously unknown wild cat species across tropical regions, particularly in Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. These discoveries emerge from DNA analysis, morphological studies, and field surveys that reveal populations previously lumped together under single species names actually represent distinct evolutionary lineages.
The satirical angle likely plays on the recurring pattern where scientists announce new species based on genetic data, skull measurements, or behavioral differences that can seem trivial to the general public. This perception contains a kernel of truth. The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature requires that new species descriptions meet specific criteria, but reasonable scientists sometimes disagree on whether those criteria have been met. Some researchers take a "lumper" approach, consolidating populations into broader species categories. Others adopt a "splitter" mindset, recognizing small genetic or morphological differences as evidence of distinct species.
Wild cats present particular challenges. Many species occupy remote regions with sparse human presence and limited scientific access. A population might number in the hundreds or thousands yet remain unknown to science simply because researchers have never documented it. DNA work has revolutionized this field over the past two decades, revealing that cats considered single species across vast ranges sometimes split into three, four, or even more distinct species when genetic sequencing becomes possible.
The cartoon's appearance in New Scientist reflects the magazine's audience understanding: science-aware readers who appreciate both rigorous research and its occasional absurdities. New Scientist regularly covers biodiversity discoveries alongside critical commentary on taxonomic debates. This balance acknowledges that species discovery represents genuine scientific progress while remaining honest about uncertainty and disagreement within the field.
Recent felid discoveries have included species in Brazil, Malaysia, and East Africa identified primarily through genetic analysis of museum specimens or field samples. These announcements follow peer review in journals like the Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research or PLOS ONE, establishing them as formal scientific claims rather than casual observations.
The humor in Twisteddoodles' work typically stems from recognizing real scientific practices and exaggerating their quirks. A cartoon about new cat species discovery might joke about the proliferation of taxonomic names, the gap between technical descriptions and public interest, or the seemingly endless ability of nature to surprise researchers despite centuries of study.
For working taxonomists, such cartoons serve a function beyond entertainment. They acknowledge public skepticism about new species claims while also defending the legitimacy of the work. Every new species description requires justification through data. The process remains imperfect, but it represents humanity's best attempt at cataloging biological diversity before ecosystems collapse under habitat loss and climate change.
Twisteddoodles joins a long tradition of science-focused humor that makes laboratory life accessible while maintaining respect for actual research.