First New Wild Cat Species Identified in Over 100 Years Is An Adorably Tiny 'Tiger'

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1. 16d ago

   Scientists Identify New Wild Cat Species in Bolivia

   Researchers in Bolivia have officially identified a new wild cat species named Leopardus tilcayo, following years of genetic study. The discovery stems from a stray kitten found by a resident who raised the animal when it failed to grow normally. Experts from a local wildlife shelter contacted Bolivian biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz after noticing unusual physical traits that did not match existing feline species. The finding was published in the journal Current Biology, marking the first newly described living member of the cat family in over a century.

   Why it matters

   This discovery adds a completely new species to the global cat family tree for the first time since the Pampas cat was described in 1923. The feline was originally mistaken for a standard ocelot or margay until DNA testing and morphological analysis proved otherwise. The specimen that sparked the investigation lived on a diet of rice and noodles while being raised as a household pet.

   What is confirmed

   • Scientists have formally identified a new wild cat species known as Leopardus tilcayo from the Yungas cloud forests along the eastern slope of the Andes in Bolivia.
   • The discovery was published in the biology journal Current Biology.
   • Bolivian biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz examined the cat after local shelter experts could not identify its species.
   • The identification marks the first living novel member of the cat family described in over a century.
   • The animal was initially found as a stray kitten by a resident who raised it when it failed to grow to normal size.

   What to watch next

   • Further field studies to determine the wild population size and distribution of Leopardus tilcayo in the Yungas cloud forests.
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.wfmz.com — Scientists identify first new wild cat species in more than ...
   2. www.hk01.com — 男子好心撿流浪貓養不大 驗DNA驚揭新物種 逾百年首見全新貓咪
   confidence 100%
2. 19d ago

   Scientists Confirm New Wild Cat Species in Bolivia

   Scientists have formally identified a new wild cat species known as the tilcayo, or Leopardus tilcayo, originating from the Yungas cloud forests along the eastern slope of the Andes in Bolivia. This miniature mountain cat weighs between 1.5 and 2 kilograms, features a light brown coat marked by uneven rosettes, and was discovered after years of genetic and taxonomic sleuthing. The identification marks the first living novel member of the cat family described in over a century, following the Pampas cat in 1923. Researchers discovered the feline after a stray kitten raised on rice and noodles turned out to be the new species.

   Why it matters

   The discovery emerges from the Yungas cloud forests in Bolivia, where modern genetic testing revealed five distinct tiger cats where only one was previously assumed. This taxonomic update helps clarify feline diversity in South America. Scientists state that the finding will directly aid ongoing wildlife conservation efforts for the newly named species.

   What is confirmed

   • A new cat species known as the tilcayo or Leopardus tilcayo has been discovered in the cloud forests of the Bolivian Andes.
   • The discovery marks the first new living cat species identified in over a century.
   • The tilcayo was confirmed through several years of genetic and taxonomic sleuthing.

   Still unconfirmed

   • One individual of the new species was initially raised as a stray kitten on a diet of rice and noodles.

   What to watch next

   • Implementation of new conservation efforts aided by the species finding
   • Further taxonomic studies on the five distinct tiger cat groups identified in the DNA study
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.wionews.com — A first in 100 years: New cat species discovered in Bolivia ...
   2. sqpn.com — Meet the Tilcayo - sqpn.com
   3. www.guinnessworldrecords.com — Mystery kitten grows up and reveals itself to be a whole new ...
   4. www.chch.com — New cat species discovered for the first time in over a ...
   confidence 100%
3. 22d ago

   New Wild Cat Species Identified in Bolivia

   Scientists formally identified a new wild cat species in September 2026 known as the tilcayo, or Leopardus tilcayo, originating from the Yungas cloud forests along the eastern slope of the Andes in Bolivia. This marks the first living novel member of the cat family described in over a century, following the Pampas cat in 1923. Weighing between 1.5 and 2 kilograms with a light brown coat marked by uneven rosettes, the tiny spotted feline was confirmed through modern genetic testing after years of local familiarity.

   Why it matters

   Locals in Bolivia had known about the animal for ages before modern genetic testing officially secured its scientific classification. The formal description of the tilcayo expands the known diversity of wild felines and highlights the biological importance of the Yungas cloud forests. Following its announcement, the discovery generated significant public attention, including donations and awards.

   What is confirmed

   • Scientists officially introduced a brand-new wild cat called the tilcayo, or Leopardus tilcayo, in September 2026.
   • The wild cat was discovered in Bolivia's Yungas forests.
   • This is the first living cat species described in a full century since the Pampas cat in 1923.
   • The tilcayo weighs 1.5 to 2 kilograms, stretches 42.5 to 50 cm long with a 25 to 26.5 cm tail, and features a light brown coat with uneven rosettes.
   • Locals had known the animal for ages before modern DNA tests provided its official scientific badge.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The discovery has led to strange phone calls alongside donations and awards.

   What to watch next

   • Conservation measures and protections implemented for the tilcayo in Bolivia
   • Further research into whether other unknown feline species inhabit the Yungas cloud forests
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.ksl.com — Have You Seen This? New cat species found in Bolivia
   2. www.nationalgeographic.com — What Happens When Your New Cat Species Goes Mega-Viral?
   3. phsthequill.edublogs.org — New Discoveries: The Newly Discovered Cat Species
   4. www.heraldinsight.co.kr — The first new cat species discovered in more than 100 years
   5. www.youtube.com — BRAND NEW WILD CAT SPECIES! ~Tilcayo Tiger Cat [see ...
   confidence 100%
4. 25d ago

   Tiny Wild Cat Species Discovered in Bolivia

   Scientists have formally described a new wild cat species in Bolivia known as the Leopardus tilcayo, marking the first living novel member of the cat family identified in over a century. Weighing 1.4 kilograms, the tiny spotted tiger cat lives in the Yungas cloud forests along the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains. Researchers confirmed the classification using genetic testing on specimens following years of questions regarding its breed. The discovery has prompted conservation experts to warn that the species requires urgent protection and to suggest that other unknown felines may inhabit the region.

   Why it matters

   The last new cat species discovered was the pampas cat in 1923, making this identification a significant milestone for global science. The animal initially flew under the radar after a Bolivian family brought it to a wildlife sanctuary in 2017, mistakenly believing it was a domestic cat or stray. Formal recognition of the specimen came when findings were published in Current Biology on September 17.

   What is confirmed

   • The Leopardus tilcayo is a tiny spotted wild cat species discovered in Bolivia's Yungas forest ecoregion.
   • It is the first living member of the cat family to be formally named and described in over a century.
   • The male feline primarily driving the discovery was named Tigrino and brought to the Senda Verde wildlife sanctuary.
   • Genetic testing of specimens confirmed the species, which split from other tiger cats 1.43 million years ago.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A Bolivian man fed the cat noodles, rice, and other food after finding it alone on the road.

   What to watch next

   • Further field surveys in the Yungas region to determine the total population and distribution of the tilcayo.
   • Implementation of new conservation measures to protect the newly identified species.
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. www.thedailystar.net — New species of wild cat discovered | The Daily Star
   2. thestute.com — The tilcayo: the first new cat species discovered in 100 years
   3. www.indulgexpress.com — Tilcayo and 7 rare wild cats you’ve likely never heard of
   4. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — A tiny cat in Bolivia is changing what scientists know about ...
   5. Scroll.in — Tilcayo: Bolivia’s new tiger cat is first to be discovered in ...
   6. www.sciencing.com — Scientists Just Discovered The First New Cat Species In Over 100 Years
   7. Zamin.uz — New wild cat species discovered in Bolivia after a century
   8. www.ecoticias.com — A tiny spotted cat that a Bolivian man fed noodles, rice and ...
   9. uwpexponent.com — New Cat Species Discovered – Exponent
   10. scotscoop.com — Discovery of new feline species sparks debates over ...
   11. www.goodnet.org — Biologists Discover Tiny Wild Cat Species - GOODNET
   12. theticker.org — New tiger cat species found in Bolivia - The Ticker
   confidence 95%
5. 36d ago

   Tilcayo identified as first new wild cat species in over 100 years

   Scientists discovered the tilcayo, a new wild cat species from Bolivia, marking the first identification of a living novel cat species in more than a century. Found in the Yungas cloud forests, the feline weighs 1.4 kilograms, making it lighter than most house cats. Genetic testing of two specimens confirmed the species. Conservation experts warn that the tilcayo may require urgent protection, and they suggest other unknown cat species may exist in the region.

   Why it matters

   The discovery follows a century-long gap in the identification of new wild cat species. The tilcayo's small size and specific habitat in cloud forests make it a unique biological find. Experts are now focusing on the urgent need for conservation measures to protect the species from extinction.

   What is confirmed

   • The tilcayo is a new wild cat species from Bolivia.
   • The tilcayo weighs 1.4 kilograms.
   • Genetic testing of two cats from the Yungas cloud forests revealed the species.
   • This is the first discovery of a living novel cat species in more than a century.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The tilcayo may require urgent protection.

   What to watch next

   • Identification of additional potential cat species in the region
   • Implementation of formal conservation protections for the tilcayo
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. dictionary.cambridge.org — FIRST | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
   2. www.firstinspires.org — FIRST | For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
   3. www.firstinspires.org — Find Teams & Events | FIRST
   4. www.first.bank — First Bank | MO Bank | IL Bank | CA Bank | Accounts | Loans
   5. www.1stunitedcu.org — 1st United Credit Union | Your Local Credit Union
   6. www.first.org — FIRST - Improving Security Together
   7. en.wiktionary.org — first - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
   8. firstonsite.com — Fire & Water Damage Restoration in Hayward, CA | First Onsite
   9. www.firstinterstatebank.com — First Interstate Bank
   10. www.firstinterstatebank.com — Login - First Interstate Bank
   11. www.firstcitizens.com — Personal Banking, Credit Cards & Loans | First Citizens Bank
   confidence 100%
6. 42d ago

   New Wild Cat Species Identified in Bolivia

   Scientists have identified the tilcayo, a tiny wild cat species from Bolivia, marking the first discovery of a living novel cat species in more than a century. Genetic testing of two tiny tiger cats from the Yungas cloud forests revealed the new feline, which weighs just 1.4 kilograms and is lighter than most house cats. Researchers and conservation experts state that the newly described species may require urgent protection as more potential cat species could soon follow.

   Why it matters

   The discovery adds a brand new branch to the feline family tree and highlights how much biodiversity remains hidden in misty cloud forests. Genetic analysis was key to distinguishing this diminutive animal as an entirely separate species rather than a variant of known cats. Conservationists are now assessing the implications of this species split for regional wildlife management.

   What is confirmed

   • Scientists identified the tilcayo (Leopardus tilcayo) as a new wild cat species from Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests.
   • This discovery marks the first new living cat species described in more than a century.
   • Genetic testing of two tiny tiger cats from Bolivia revealed the new species.
   • The diminutive feline weighs just 1.4 kilograms, making it lighter than most house cats.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Several more cat species may follow the discovery of the tilcayo.
   • One individual tilcayo was discovered after a man found it by a road and kept it as a pet for one year.

   What to watch next

   • Further research into additional potential cat species in the region
   • Formal conservation status updates and protection measures for the tilcayo
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. news.mongabay.com — A new cat species was just discovered. Several more may follow
   2. www.sciencenews.org — Meet the newest living cat species, the first described in 100 years
   3. www.envirolink.org — Meet the Tilcayo: First New Wild Cat Species Discovered in Over a Century - EnviroLink Network
   4. www.natureworldnews.com — The First New Wild Cat Species in More Than a Century May Need Stronger Protection, a Conservation Expert....
   5. www.dvm360.com — New species discovered in Bolivia is first cat described in ...
   6. news.northeastern.edu — How Did Scientists Find the First New Cat Species in 100 Years?
   confidence 95%
7. 45d ago

   Scientists identify Tilcayo as first new wild cat species in over 100 years

   Researchers have identified the tilcayo (Leopardus tilcayo), a tiny wild cat from Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests, marking the first discovery of a living novel cat species in more than a century. The animal is described as a tiger cat that had remained unknown to science despite existing in local knowledge. One individual was discovered after a man found it by a road and kept it as a pet for one year, though it is currently the only known living member of the species.

   Why it matters

   Identifying a new feline species is rare due to the extensive existing catalog of wild cats. This discovery highlights the biodiversity of the Yungas cloud forests and the role of local nomenclature in scientific identification.

   What is confirmed

   • The tilcayo is the first new species of cat identified in over 100 years.
   • The species was discovered in the Yungas cloud forests of Bolivia.
   • The scientific name for the new species is Leopardus tilcayo.
   • The cat is described as tiny and resembling a tiger.

   Still unconfirmed

   • There is only one known living member of the species.
   • A man kept the cat at home for a year after finding it by a road.

   What to watch next

   • Identification of additional living members of the species
   • Detailed genetic analysis comparing the tilcayo to other Leopardus species
   Sources used for this update (16)

   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. Scientific American — See the first new species of cat discovered in more than a century—it’s adorable
   4. The New York Times — New Species of Cat Discovered for First Time in a Century
   5. People.com — New Wild ‘Tiger Cat’ Species Discovered — with Only 1 Known Living Member
   6. FOX Weather — New wild cat species discovered after hiding in plain sight for more than a century
   7. The Independent — A man thought he’d found a stray kitten. It turned out to be a new species of wild cat
   8. National Geographic Society — Photos Show New Species of Wild Cat Discovered in Bolivia — The First in 100 Years
   9. Smithsonian Magazine — Meet the Adorable and Tiny Tilcayo, the First Brand-New Cat Species Identified in More Than a Century
   10. AP News — Tiny wild cat newly identified as a species draws curious visitors in Bolivia
   11. Nature — Daily briefing: The first new cat species described by science in a century
   12. ScienceAlert — First New Wild Cat Species Identified in Over 100 Years Is An Adorably Tiny 'Tiger'
   confidence 90%