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New Cat Species Identified in Bolivia, First in over a Century
Genetic analysis showed tiger cats split into five species, and researchers say the newly named Tilcayo may warrant its own conservation status.
- Researchers published a study on Thursday in Current Biology identifying Leopardus tilcayo as a new tiger cat species, marking the first novel feline discovered in over 100 years.
- Biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, a National Geographic Explorer, began investigating the 'weird cat' after receiving a 2016 call from a Bolivian wildlife sanctuary; the animal had been mistaken for a domestic kitten.
- Genomic comparisons revealed L. tilcayo diverged from other lineages around 1.4 million years ago and inhabits Bolivia's Yungas cloud forest, weighing just 3 to 4 pounds and smaller than a house cat.
- Evolutionary biologist Jonas Lescroart from the University of Antwerp said the discovery "is definitely expected to increase conservation attention," with researchers calling for re-evaluation of species previously grouped under a single label.
- Future research will install camera traps in Bolivia's Yungas region to track L. tilcayo populations while preserving traditional knowledge; local communities have recognized the cat as 'tilcayo' for generations.
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The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)New cat species identified for the first time in more than a century
Known to local communities as the Tilcayo, the cat was found in Bolivia's lush Yungas forest
·London, United Kingdom
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This wild cat has long been mistaken for another, very similar species. It has now been identified as a new species in Bolivia.
·Belgrade, Serbia
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This is the first time in over a hundred years that a new wildcat species has been identified and officially named.
·Helsinki, Finland
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Thought to be an ordinary kitten, this wild animal in the Bolivian jungle is actually a new species that separated from other cats 1.4 million years ago.
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Leaning Left22Leaning Right21Center20Last UpdatedBias Distribution35% Left
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C 32%
R 33%
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