New Cat Species Identified in Bolivia, First in over a Century
- Researchers published a study on Thursday in Current Biology identifying Leopardus tilcayo as a new tiger cat species, marking the first novel feline discovered in over 100 years.
- Biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, a National Geographic Explorer, began investigating the 'weird cat' after receiving a 2016 call from a Bolivian wildlife sanctuary; the animal had been mistaken for a domestic kitten.
- Genomic comparisons revealed L. tilcayo diverged from other lineages around 1.4 million years ago and inhabits Bolivia's Yungas cloud forest, weighing just 3 to 4 pounds and smaller than a house cat.
- Evolutionary biologist Jonas Lescroart from the University of Antwerp said the discovery "is definitely expected to increase conservation attention," with researchers calling for re-evaluation of species previously grouped under a single label.
- Future research will install camera traps in Bolivia's Yungas region to track L. tilcayo populations while preserving traditional knowledge; local communities have recognized the cat as 'tilcayo' for generations.
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Thought to be an ordinary kitten, this wild animal in the Bolivian jungle is actually a new species that separated from other cats 1.4 million years ago.
Leopardus Tilcayo: Scientists Discover New Species of Wild Cat in Bolivia's Yungas Cloud Forest in 100 Years | 🔬 LatestLY
Leopardus tilcayo, new wild cat species, new cat species Bolivia, wild cat Bolivia, tilcayo cat, Bolivian wild cat, Yungas cloud forest, new feline species, new mammal species, Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, National Geographic Explorer, Current Biology, wild cat discovery, rare cat species, South America wildlife, Bolivia wildlife discovery 🔬 Leopardus Tilcayo: Scientists Discover New Species of Wild Cat in Bolivia's Yungas Cloud Forest in 100 Years.
A small predator living in the mountain forests of Bolivia has been recognized as a new species, marking the first time in over a century that such a mammal is formally described. (ANSA)
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