The Bakanga of the Ubangi region of the Central African Republic, is intermediate in size between a lion and leopard, and it is described as similar to a mane-less lion in appearance, with reddish-brown fur and a dappled spotting similar to a leopard, and is said to bark instead of roaring.
Description[]
Bakanga is a spotted lion of Central Africa. Physical description: Looks like a cross between a lion and a leopard. It has a reddish-brown ground color and is Dappled like a leopard. Its behavior is aggressive, and it has been known to bark like a dog.
Possible Explanations[]
It could potentially be a new genus or species of Hyena. The family Hyaenidae of the feliform suborder of the Carnivora. With only four extant species, it is the fifth-smallest biological family in the Carnivora, and one of the smallest in the class Mammalia. Despite their low diversity, hyenas are unique and vital components of most African ecosystems. It can also be a mix between lion and leopard or lion and hyena. Good example of similar animal mix would be Liger - a mix between lion and tiger, Liger is breeded and kept in zoos, but legends of Ligers existing in the wild do exist in few countries around the world.