Introducing Bolivia’s Latest Wild Cat Species—The First to Be Named in Over a Century!

A new species of wild cat, Leopardus tilcayo, has been identified at a wildlife sanctuary in Bolivia, marking the first new wild cat discovery in over a century. This small, spotted feline, measuring just 18 inches and weighing 3 pounds, was previously taken in by a local family. Bolivian biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz led the research, which involved comparing genomes of over 30 cat species across South America. The analysis revealed that the tilcayo split from its relatives about 1.4 million years ago. Researchers aim to protect its habitat amid threats from deforestation and mining. The name “tilcayo” honors local ancestral knowledge.