‘No one believed it’: how a YouTube video accidentally proved Libya’s sand cat really does exist

In 2017, Libyan wildlife photographer Mohammed Almuntasir captured a brief but significant YouTube video of a sand cat digging in the dunes of south-west Libya, a species long thought to be elusive. Scientists were astounded when this footage provided the first concrete evidence of the sand cat's existence, confirming its survival in the harsh desert environment. This discovery highlights the unexpected ways technology and citizen science can advance wildlife conservation, underscoring the importance of public platforms like YouTube in uncovering hidden aspects of biodiversity.