Tiny Wild Cat Becomes a Conservation Icon in Bolivia
A newly identified wild cat species, affectionately named Tigrino, is drawing curious visitors to Bolivia’s cloud forests. Despite the excitement, Tigrino, who is easily stressed, prefers to stay out of the spotlight at the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary near La Paz.
Discovery of a New Species
Tigrino belongs to Leopardus tilcayo, marking the first new wild cat species recognized by scientists in over a century. Measuring just 18 inches in length and weighing around 3 pounds, Tigrino is smaller than an average house cat. His discovery has generated buzz on social media, attracting crowds eager to catch a glimpse of him since he was brought to the sanctuary in 2017 after failed attempts to domesticate him.
An Ambassador for Conservation
Marcelo Levy, a co-founder of the sanctuary, notes, “Tigrino has become, in just a few days, an ambassador for conservation.” The attention surrounding this tiny feline has heightened awareness about the importance of protecting wild cats and their habitats in Bolivia’s tropical forests. Levy emphasized the significance of Tigrino’s existence, stating, “He’s such a tiny animal, and he has become something so important.”
