A new species of small wild cat, known locally as Tilcayo, has been discovered in Bolivia’s cloud forest, marking the first formal identification of a living cat species in over a century. The cat, part of the tiger cats group found in South America, was found in the Yungas forest in Bolivia, characterized by its small size, measuring approximately 46 centimeters long and weighing around three pounds. Genetic analysis confirmed its status as a new species named Leopardus tilcayo, retaining its local name.
Described as having light brown fur with irregular rosettes on its body, little is known about the cat’s behavior and diet. Initial observations suggest it may feed on small rodents and be more active at night. The discovery challenges previous assumptions that tiger cats were a single species, revealing five genetically distinct species, including the newly identified Bolivian cat. This lineage separated from other tiger cats around 1.4 million years ago.
In addition to the Bolivian cat, a new tiger cat subspecies, Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo, was also identified in Peru’s Yungas region. The International Union for Conservation of Nature is reassessing the status of tiger cats based on these findings, potentially leading to separate endangered status for species like Tilcayo. Conservation efforts are crucial in the threatened Yungas ecosystem due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, fires, and mining activities. The discovery underscores the importance of protecting undiscovered species at risk of extinction.