Bolivia Scientists Identify New Cat Species After Over Century

Scientists in Bolivia have officially discovered Leopardus tilcayo, making it the first new wildcat species identified in more than a century. The small, spotted feline was found by locals and later studied at the Senda Verde wildlife sanctuary before being formally named after researchers analyzed its genome alongside other tiger cats from South America.

The discovery marks a significant milestone because unlike previous findings of previously recognized subspecies raised to full species status or old proposals validated with new data, this cat represents an entirely novel addition to science. Genetic testing revealed the tilcayo likely diverged from its closest relatives approximately 1.4 million years ago and is characterized by light brown fur covered in rosettes.

The study, published in Current Biology, analyzed genomes from 38 cats including 26 Leopardus species, confirming five distinct tiger cat types exist in the region. Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz led the research after receiving a call about an unusual kitten brought to her sanctuary by a local man who initially thought it was domestic.

Experts note that discovering new mammal species is rare and finding entirely new cat species is even more uncommon, yet this accidental discovery highlights ongoing biodiversity in Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests.