Meet Earth’s newest wild cat species, the first named in over a century
Scientists have identified a newly recognized wild cat species living in a Bolivian forest, marking the first time a new feline species has been named in over a century. The spotted cat, known as Leopardus tilcayo, was discovered after researchers examined a small feline residing at a local wildlife sanctuary where it had lived for years. Biologists determined that the animal did not match any previously known species, adding a distinct wild cat to Earth's known fauna.
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- ✓ A new wild cat species has been identified in a Bolivian forest.
- ✓ This discovery marks the first time a new feline species has been named in over a century.
- ✓ The cat had been living at a wildlife sanctuary in Bolivia.
What changed
Researchers officially identified and named the small spotted feline as a brand-new wild cat species in Bolivia.
Live updates
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New Wild Cat Species Discovered in Bolivia
Scientists have identified a newly recognized wild cat species living in a Bolivian forest, marking the first time a new feline species has been named in over a century. The spotted cat, known as Leopardus tilcayo, was discovered after researchers examined a small feline residing at a local wildlife sanctuary where it had lived for years. Biologists determined that the animal did not match any previously known species, adding a distinct wild cat to Earth's known fauna.
Why it matters
The discovery represents a major milestone in mammalogy as the first new wild cat species named in over a century. Previously unrecognized despite living in plain sight at a wildlife sanctuary, the small spotted feline highlights ongoing gaps in cataloging South American biodiversity.
What is confirmed
- A new wild cat species has been identified in a Bolivian forest.
- This discovery marks the first time a new feline species has been named in over a century.
- The cat had been living at a wildlife sanctuary in Bolivia.
What to watch next
- Further scientific studies on the population and habitat of Leopardus tilcayo in Bolivia.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (15)
- National Geographic — Meet the First New Cat Species Discovered in 100 Years
- BBC — Spotted wildcat from Bolivian forest revealed as new species
- ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — First new feline species in 100 years discovered in Bolivian forest
- Al Jazeera — New tiger cat species identified in Bolivia, first in over a century
- The New York Times — New Species of Cat Discovered for First Time in a Century
- AP News — Meet Earth’s newest wild cat species, the first named in over a century
- People.com — New Wild ‘Tiger Cat’ Species Discovered — with Only 1 Known Living Member
- FOX Weather — New wild cat species discovered after hiding in plain sight for more than a century
- Yahoo — Tiger cat named 1st new feline species in century
- PBS — Meet Earth’s newest wild cat species, living in Bolivia and the first named in over a century
- EarthSky — Scientists discover a new tiger cat hiding in plain sight
- OregonLive.com — Scientists identify first new wild cat species in 100 years
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