A small wild cat residing in the cloud forests of Bolivia has been recognized as a newly discovered species, marking the first formal naming of a living cat species in over a century. Known locally as Tilcayo, this cat belongs to the tiger cat group found in various parts of South America. Found in Bolivia’s Yungas forest, a region characterized by mountainous terrain covered in clouds and high humidity, the cat measures around 46 centimeters (18 inches) in length and weighs approximately three pounds, making it smaller than the average domestic cat.
Genetic analysis confirmed the cat as a distinct species and it was named Leopardus tilcayo, retaining its local title. Described as having light brown fur with irregular rosettes on its body, little is known about its biology and habits. Initial findings suggest it may feed on small rodents and be more active at night.
Tiger cats are cryptic species, making them challenging to differentiate based on appearance alone. Previous studies indicated the existence of multiple species within the tiger cat group, contrary to the belief that they were a single species.
Researchers have identified only two live individuals of the new species so far. One of them, a 10-year-old male, is now residing in a wildlife sanctuary after being kept by a local family. DNA analysis from various South American cats revealed five genetically distinct tiger cat species, including the newly discovered Bolivian species.
The research team also identified a new tiger cat subspecies in Peru’s Yungas, naming it Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo after the region of the old Inca Empire where it is found. These findings have been shared with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for review, with the potential for the new species to be classified as endangered when evaluated separately.
Given the threats to the Yungas region, including deforestation, agricultural expansion, fires, and mining, urgent actions such as forest restoration and habitat protection are crucial. The discovery of new species like the Bolivian tiger cat emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts to protect biodiversity at risk of extinction before being fully understood.
