Felidae Oligocene, about 25 million years ago, with the appearance of "Proailurus" and "Pseudaelurus". The latter species complex was ancestral to two main lines of felids, the cats in the extant subfamilies and a third major group of extinct cats, which are assigned to the subfamily Machairodontinae. The machairodonts included the saber-toothed cats such as the "Smilodon". The "false sabre toothed cats", the Barbourofelidae and Nimravidae, are not true cats, but are closely related and together with Felidae and other cat-like carnivores (hyaenas, viverrids and mongooses) make up the feliform carnivores. Results of mitochondrial analysis indicates that all the Felidae descended
Felidae Conservation Fund region's wildlife populations. In addition, the study uses GPS collars equipped with accelerometers to record detailed information on mountain lion movements that will reveal new insights into their behavior and physiology. Felidae is working with Dr. Chris Wilmers of UC Santa Cruz, along with the California Department of Fish and Game and California State Parks. The Patagonia Puma Project in Chile is a long-term ecological study by Dr. Heiko Wittmer of UC Davis which examines the dynamics relating to the puma’s role in the decline of the huemul deer. The researchers hope to exonerate the puma from major blame in