# Discovery of Leopardus tilcayo in Bolivia > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/discovery-of-leopardus-tilcayo-in-bolivia > Updated: 2026-09-19T00:04:36.000Z. Sources: 211. Developments: 2. Researchers have identified a new wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo, in the Yungas cloud forests of Bolivia. This discovery, published in the journal Current Biology, represents the first new feline species described in over a century. The species was identified through extensive DNA analysis of 38 specimens, including historical museum samples from the United States and Europe and a living specimen named Tigrino at the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary. Genetic data indicates the Tilcayo lineage diverged from other tiger cats approximately 1.4 million years ago. An international team of scientists, including Eduardo Eizirik and Jonas Lescroart, conducted the genomic analyses. Characterized by its small size—measuring roughly 45 to 50 centimeters and weighing between 1.4 and 2 kilograms—the cat features a light brown coat with large, irregular dark rosettes and rounded ears. The discovery traces back to 2016, when a local resident found a kitten and, believing it to be a domestic cat, kept it at home before it was surrendered to the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary. There, biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, a National Geographic Explorer, noted its unusual physical characteristics, such as a compact face, which prompted further investigation. Researchers suggest the species may be nocturnal and primarily eats small rodents. While only one living specimen is currently confirmed, scientists believe more exist in the wild. The finding clarifies that what was previously thought to be a single widespread group is actually composed of at least five distinct species. This taxonomic revision is expected to bolster conservation efforts, as risk assessments must now be conducted for each individual species to address threats from habitat loss due to development and expanding agriculture. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-19: Bolivia discovery of new wild cat species Leopardus tilcayo Scientists have identified Leopardus tilcayo, a new wild cat species in Bolivia's Yungas forests, marking the first new feline species described in over 100 years. 57 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bolivia-discovery-new-wild-cat-species-leopardus-tilcayo-identified-3 ### 2026-09-17: Bolivia discovery: New wild cat species Leopardus tilcayo identified Scientists have discovered Leopardus tilcayo, a new wild cat species in Bolivia's Yungas forests, the first new feline species identified in over 100 years. 157 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bolivia-discovery-new-wild-cat-species-leopardus-tilcayo-identified --- Cite as: Discovery of Leopardus tilcayo in Bolivia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/discovery-of-leopardus-tilcayo-in-bolivia