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[CULTURE] · Bolivia · 100 sources

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Bolivia discovery: New wild cat species Leopardus tilcayo identified

Researchers have identified a new species of wild cat, Leopardus tilcayo, in the Yungas cloud forests of Bolivia. This discovery marks the first new feline species described in more than a century.

The species, commonly referred to by locals as the Tilcayo, was identified through extensive DNA analysis of 38 specimens, including living animals and historical museum samples. The genetic data revealed that the Tilcayo lineage diverged from other tiger cats approximately 1.4 million years ago.

The discovery originated in 2016 when a local resident found a kitten and, believing it to be a domestic cat, kept it at home. The animal was later surrendered to the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary, where biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz noticed its unusual physical characteristics, such as its size, rounded ears, and large rosette-shaped spots.

Measuring approximately 46 centimeters in length and weighing about 1.4 kilograms, the Tilcayo is smaller than an average domestic cat. Scientists hope this finding will increase conservation efforts for the tiger cat group, which faces habitat loss due to expanding agriculture and development.

Entities

Bolivia · Current Biology · Current Biology · Eduardo Eizirik · Jonas Lescroart · La Senda Verde · Leopardus tilcayo · Leopardus tilcayo · National Geographic · Paola Nogales Ascarrunz · Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz · Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary

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Descubren nueva especie de felino [elperiodicodemonagas.com.ve]
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Détail d'article [www.dhnet.be]
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