New cat species discovered in Bolivia for first time in over 100 years

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Scientists identify Leopardus tilcayo as first new cat species in over 100 years

   Researchers have formally identified Leopardus tilcayo, a tiny spotted wild cat found in the cloud forests of Bolivia's Yungas region. This discovery marks the first formal description of a new living feline species in more than a century. While local populations had long referred to the animal as the tilcayo, scientists have now officially recognized it as a distinct species. The findings were detailed in a paper released by the Journal of Current Biology on Thursday.

   Why it matters

   The identification of a new feline species is a rare scientific event given the extensive study of the cat family. This discovery occurred a decade after the animal was first found. It highlights the biodiversity remaining in the Bolivian cloud forests.

   What is confirmed

   • Leopardus tilcayo is a tiny spotted wild cat species discovered in Bolivia.
   • This is the first new living cat species identified in over 100 years.
   • The cat inhabits the cloud forests of the Yungas region in Bolivia.
   • The Journal of Current Biology published the discovery in a paper released on Thursday.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The species was revealed to be new a decade after its initial discovery.
   • Scientists vowed to continue using the local name tilcayo for the animal.

   What to watch next

   • Publication of population density and conservation status for Leopardus tilcayo
   • Further genetic analysis to determine the species' closest relatives
   Sources used for this update (22)

   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. Yahoo — Scientists Discovered A New Cat Before Rockstar Could Finish GTA 6
   4. washingtonpost.com — New cat species discovered in Bolivia for first time in over 100 years
   5. ABC7 Bay Area — Leopardus tilcayo: Tiny cat discovered in Bolivia said to be 1st new feline species in over 100 years
   6. BBC — Spotted wildcat from Bolivian forest revealed as new species
   7. CNN — Meet the tiny wild cat that’s new to science
   8. WKBN.com — New cat species identified for first time in 100 years
   9. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — First new feline species in 100 years discovered in Bolivian forest
   10. Al Jazeera — New tiger cat species identified in Bolivia, first in over a century
   11. The Jerusalem Post — Bolivian cat revealed to be new feline species decade after discovery
   12. Phys.org — Bolivia's tilcayo tiger cat becomes first new wildcat species in 100 years
   confidence 95%