In Bolivia’s cloud forest, a small wild cat has been recognized as a novel species, marking the first formal naming of a new living cat species in over a hundred years. The cat, known locally as Tilcayo, belongs to a group called tiger cats found in various parts of South America. Discovered in Bolivia’s Yungas forest, a mountainous area with misty forests and high humidity, the cat measures around 46 centimeters (18 inches) in length and weighs approximately three pounds, making it smaller than the average house cat.
Through genetic analysis, researchers have confirmed that the cat is indeed a distinct species and have assigned it the scientific name Leopardus tilcayo, while retaining its local designation. Described by Paola Nogales Ascarrunz, a National Geographic explorer and study co-author, the cat’s fur is light brown with unique rosettes across its body.
The cat’s habits and diet are still largely unknown, with evidence suggesting it may consume small rodents and be more active at night based on camera-trap data. Tiger cats, like the Tilcayo, are cryptic species that are challenging to differentiate based on appearance alone, according to Jonas Lescroart, an evolutionary biologist from the University of Antwerp.
The discovery of the Tilcayo species is based on examination of two live individuals, one of which, a 10-year-old male, now resides in the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary after being kept by a local family. DNA analysis of 38 cats from various South American regions, including museum specimens, revealed that tiger cats consist of five genetically distinct species.
The researchers have informed the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) about their findings. The IUCN’s upcoming evaluation will consider the five lineages separately, potentially leading to a more accurate assessment of the Tilcayo and other species’ conservation status. Urgent conservation measures are emphasized for the Yungas region due to increasing threats such as deforestation, fires, and mining activities.
The study’s senior author, Eduardo Eizirik, highlights the importance of discovering new species and the need to protect them from extinction. The findings underscore the significance of conserving biodiversity and the urgent need to safeguard habitats for these newly identified species.
