[REVISION HISTORY]

Discovery of Leopardus tilcayo in Bolivia

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2026-10-03 07:02 UTC → 2026-10-18 13:22 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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, locally known as the tilcayo,~~ felid weighs approximately 1.3 to 1.4 ~~kilograms~~ kilograms, measures about 46 centimeters in length, and features light brown fur with irregular dark rosettes. ~~The identification process was aided by observations at the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary, including a rescued specimen that helped researchers distinguish~~ Preliminary data suggests the ~~animal from domestic~~ species is likely nocturnal and ~~other wild feline varieties.~~ 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.’

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