A man thought he’d found a stray kitten. It turned out to be a new species of wild cat

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1. 1h ago

   Researchers identify new wild cat species in Bolivia

   Scientists have identified a new species of wild tiger cat in Bolivia, marking the first time a new cat species has been discovered in over 100 years. The discovery occurred after a man found an animal he believed to be a stray kitten. This identification represents a rare addition to the known feline taxonomy and provides new data on wild cat populations in South America. Researchers across multiple reports confirm this is the first such find in a century.

   Why it matters

   Identifying a new mammal species is rare in the modern era. This discovery adds to the biodiversity records of Bolivia and the broader feline family.

   What is confirmed

   • A new wild cat species has been identified for the first time in 100 years.
   • The new species is a tiger cat found in Bolivia.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A man discovered the animal believing it was a stray kitten.

   What to watch next

   • Publication of the formal taxonomic description
   • Detailed population surveys of the species in Bolivia
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. NBC News — New wild cat species is identified for first time in 100 years, researchers say
   2. National Geographic — Meet the First New Cat Species Discovered in 100 Years
   3. Al Jazeera — New tiger cat species identified in Bolivia, first in over a century
   4. The New York Times — New Species of Cat Discovered for First Time in a Century
   5. OregonLive.com — Scientists identify first new wild cat species in 100 years
   6. The Independent — A man thought he’d found a stray kitten. It turned out to be a new species of wild cat
   confidence 100%