A new species of cat, named Leopardus tilcayo, has been identified in Bolivia, marking the first such discovery in over a century. The species was found in the Yungas forest and is described as a small feline with a light brown coat and irregular rosettes. Researchers led by Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz confirmed the species through genetic analysis.
The discovery was made by National Geographic Explorer Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, who first encountered the cat in 2016. Genetic analysis confirmed the cat is a new species, and the study was published in the journal Current Biology. The cat is part of the tiger cat family, which is considered a cryptic species, making it difficult to distinguish by appearance alone.
The research team analyzed DNA from 38 cats across South American countries and found five genetically distinct species within the tiger cat family. The new species, Leopardus tilcayo, is believed to have separated from other tiger cats about 1.4 million years ago. The IUCN is reviewing the findings to assess the conservation status of the species and its habitat, which faces threats from deforestation and human activity.