Meet Earth’s newest wild cat species, living in Bolivia and the first named in over a century

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1. 1h ago

   Scientists Identify New Wild Cat Species in Bolivia

   Researchers have identified the Tilcayo leopard (Leopardus tilcayo), the first new cat species named in over a century. This small, spotted feline was discovered in the cloud forests of Bolivia. One specimen had lived for years at a Bolivian wildlife sanctuary, effectively hiding in plain sight before its classification. The animal is described as appearing like a leopard but is smaller than a typical house cat. The discovery has recently turned the animal into a tourist attraction for visitors hoping to see the species.

   Why it matters

   The identification of a new feline species is rare, marking the first such occurrence in more than 100 years. This find highlights the biodiversity of Bolivian cloud forests and the possibility of other unknown species existing in protected areas.

   What is confirmed

   • The Tilcayo leopard is the first new cat species discovered in over a century.
   • The new species was identified in Bolivia.
   • The cat is a spotted wildcat.
   • The species is named Leopardus tilcayo.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The animal is smaller than a house cat.
   • The cat was previously living at a wildlife sanctuary for years.
   • The species is drawing tourists in Bolivia.

   What to watch next

   • Publication of peer-reviewed genetic data confirming the species lineage
   • Population surveys to determine the total number of Tilcayo leopards in the wild
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. National Geographic — Meet the First New Cat Species Discovered in 100 Years
   2. Scientific American — See the first new species of cat discovered in more than a century—it’s adorable
   3. BBC — Spotted wildcat from Bolivian forest revealed as new species
   4. Al Jazeera — New tiger cat species identified in Bolivia, first in over a century
   5. The New York Times — New Species of Cat Discovered for First Time in a Century
   6. AP News — Meet Earth’s newest wild cat species, the first named in over a century
   7. FOX Weather — New wild cat species discovered after hiding in plain sight for more than a century
   8. PBS — Meet Earth’s newest wild cat species, living in Bolivia and the first named in over a century
   9. Sci.News — New Species of Tiger Cat Identified in Bolivia
   10. KXAN Austin — New cat species identified for first time in 100 years
   11. EarthSky — Scientists discover a new tiger cat hiding in plain sight
   12. Yahoo — The Bolivian Tilcayo leopard is the first new species of cat to be discovered in over a century
   confidence 90%