A new wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo, has been identified in Bolivia, marking the first such discovery in over a century. The small, spotted feline was found at a wildlife sanctuary near La Paz, where it had been living for years after being rescued.
Bolivian biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz led the research, which utilized genetic comparisons across 30 cat species from several South American countries. The analysis revealed that this cat diverged from its relatives approximately 1.4 million years ago.
Local communities were already aware of this animal’s existence, and its name reflects that heritage. Despite being a previously unrecognized species, scientists have now confirmed at least five distinct species within the tiger cat classification. Ongoing research is needed to better understand the tilcayo’s behavior, diet, and habitat, particularly as their forest environment faces threats from deforestation and mining.
The discovery underscores the importance of exploring biodiversity, as many species remain undocumented or misclassified.
