Bolivia discovery of new wild cat species Leopardus tilcayo

Scientists have identified a new wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo, in the Yungas cloud forests of Bolivia. This discovery, published in the journal Current Biology, marks the first time a new living wild cat species has been formally described in over a century.

The identification followed years of research sparked by the accidental rescue of an orphaned kitten in 2016. Initially mistaken for a domestic cat, the small feline was brought to the Senda Verde wildlife refuge, where biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz noted its unusual characteristics. Genomic analysis of 38 specimens, including DNA from museum collections, confirmed that the tilcayo belongs to a distinct lineage that split from other tiger cats approximately 1.4 million years ago.

The Leopardus tilcayo is a small feline, measuring about 46 centimeters in length and weighing roughly 1.4 kilograms, making it smaller than the average domestic cat. It features a light brown coat with irregular, dark leopard-like spots. Researchers noted that the genomic study also clarified that the tiger cat group actually comprises five distinct species rather than one. This distinction is critical for conservation efforts, as it allows for more accurate assessments of the specific threats and population needs for each unique lineage.