Researchers have formally described a previously unknown species of wild cat discovered in Bolivia, representing the first newly identified living feline species to be scientifically named in more than a century. The cat, known locally as tilcayo and assigned the scientific name Leopardus tilcayo, inhabits the Yungas forest, a mountainous region characterized by cloud cover and high humidity levels.
The animal is notably small, measuring 46 centimeters in length and weighing approximately 1.4 kilograms, making it considerably smaller than a typical domestic cat. Its appearance is characterized by light brown fur with irregularly shaped rosettes distributed across its body. Limited information currently exists regarding the species’ behavioral patterns and ecological requirements, though examination of scat samples containing small rodent remains suggests rodents constitute part of its diet. Camera-trap observations provide preliminary evidence that the animal may be primarily nocturnal in its activity patterns.
The discovery emerged from research comparing specimens across South America. Researchers noted that the Bolivian cat’s physical characteristics did not align with existing descriptions of tiger cats, which were largely based on Brazilian populations. This discrepancy prompted investigation into the cat’s actual identity. A genetic analysis of 38 cats sampled across multiple South American countries, including eight museum specimens, revealed that what was previously understood as a single tiger cat species actually comprises five genetically distinct species. Genetic evidence indicates that the tilcayo lineage diverged from other tiger cats approximately 1.4 million years ago.
The research team, which included Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, a National Geographic Explorer, and evolutionary biologist Jonas Lescroart of the University of Antwerp, also identified and described a new tiger cat subspecies in Peru’s Yungas region. This subspecies was designated Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo, with the subspecific name referencing Antisuyu, the historical Inca Empire region encompassing the area where the animal is found. The findings were published in the journal Current Biology.
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