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Discovery of Leopardus tilcayo in Bolivia

Overview

An international team of researchers has identified a new species of wild cat, Leopardus tilcayo, in the Yungas cloud forests of the Bolivian Andes. The discovery, which marks the first new feline species identified in over a century, was confirmed through DNA and genetic analysis of living samples and historical museum specimens.

Led by Professor Eduardo Eizirik of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, the study utilized “museomics” to sequence complete genomes. Findings published in ‘Current Biology’ indicate that the group commonly known as “tiger cats” actually consists of five distinct species rather than one. The research also identified a new subspecies in the Peruvian Yungas, Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo, though genomic analysis showed it is not closely related to Leopardus tilcayo.

The identification process traces back to 2016, when biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz was alerted to a “rare cat” at the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary. While initially thought to be a tigrillo, photographic evidence from 2019 revealed that the animal’s rosettes were too large to match existing descriptions. The small, shy felid weighs approximately 1.3 to 1.4 kilograms, measures about 46 centimeters in length, and features light brown fur with irregular dark rosettes. Preliminary data suggests the species is likely nocturnal and feeds on small rodents.

While the species name honors local cultural significance, scientists have noted that the animal faces significant threats from agricultural expansion, illegal mining, habitat loss due to deforestation, and fires. In response to the discovery, Bolivian Deputy Freddy Villalobos has introduced a bill to declare the tilcayo a ‘national natural heritage and a symbol of the country’s biodiversity.’

Entities

Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz · Bolivia · Leopardus tilcayo · Yungas · Current Biology

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Leopardus tilcayo identified as new cat species in Bolivia

    Scientists have discovered Leopardus tilcayo, a new cat species in Bolivia, marking the first new feline species described in over a century.

  2. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Tilcayo cat identified as new species in Bolivia

    Scientists have identified the Tilcayo cat (Leopardus tilcayo) in Bolivia, marking the first new living wild cat species discovered in over 100 years.

  3. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Leopardus tilcayo: New feline species discovered in Bolivia

    Scientists have discovered a new feline species, Leopardus tilcayo, in Bolivia's Yungas, the first such discovery in over 100 years, alongside a new subspecies in Peru.

  4. [CULTURE] 21 sources
    Bolivia discovers new feline species Leopardus tilcayo

    Scientists have discovered Leopardus tilcayo, a new small feline species in Bolivia's Yungas region, marking the first new feline discovery in over 100 years.

  5. [CULTURE] 14 sources
    Bolivia discovery: New wild cat species identified in Yungas forests

    Researchers have discovered a new wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo, in Bolivia's Yungas forests, the first such feline discovery in over 100 years.

Sources

abendblatt.de · ahoradigital.net · arkcity.net · ciclovivo.com.br · diaadianews.com · dominicanaaldia.com · eldiariony.com · exitonoticias.com.bo · extratipp.com · fehmarn24.de · generation-nt.com · hna.de · ikz-online.de · indulgexpress.com · kreiszeitung.de · laquotidienne.fr · lavozdetarija.com · lesinguliersete.fr · malaespinacheck.cl · mannheim24.de · mercado.etc.br · merkur-online.de · merkur.de · midutahradio.com · monitoruldegalati.ro · morgenpost.de · noticiasambientales.com.ar · nuevapresencia.com · ocafezinho.com · okdiario.com · op-online.de · optimistdaily.com · pdf.edu.pl · postal.pt · rtpbolivia.com.bo · scroll.in · senzalinea.it · tlz.de · tz-online.de · tz.de · vitamagazine.com · wakeup.sg

This summary has been updated 6 times: see revision history