New cat species identified for first time in more than a century in Bolivia

Live updates

1. 29d ago

   New Wild Cat Species Identified in Bolivia

   Scientists have formally described the tilcayo, or Leopardus tilcayo, as a new wild cat species native to Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests along the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains. This tiny spotted feline represents the first new cat species identified since the pampas cat in 1923. The animal weighs about three pounds and measures roughly 18 inches from head to the base of the tail, making it smaller than most house cats. Researchers discovered the species during a broader taxonomic review of small wild cats in the Neotropics.

   Why it matters

   The formal description of the tilcayo appeared in Current Biology on 17 September 2026. Genetic research conducted during the taxonomic review indicates that additional cat species may soon be recognized as scientists continue to redraw the taxonomy of South America's tiger cats. Researchers suggest that ongoing genetic analysis could eventually split these regional felines into six or seven distinct species.

   What is confirmed

   • The tilcayo, or Leopardus tilcayo, has been formally described as a new species of wild cat.
   • The animal weighs about three pounds and measures roughly 18 inches from head to the base of the tail.
   • The formal description of the species appeared in Current Biology on 17 September 2026.
   • National Geographic describes it as the first cat species discovered since the pampas cat in 1923.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A family in Bolivia kept a tilcayo as a pet before handing the animal to a wildlife sanctuary.

   What to watch next

   • Further genetic research splitting South American tiger cats into six or seven distinct species
   • Additional taxonomic revisions of small wild cats in the Neotropics
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. torontolatinos.com — Bolivia Just Gave the World a New Wild Cat — the First in ...
   2. www.indulgexpress.com — Tilcayo and 7 rare wild cats you’ve likely never heard of
   3. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — A tiny cat in Bolivia is changing what scientists know about ...
   4. morningoverview.com — A pet cat in a Bolivian sanctuary turned out to be a species ...
   5. www.sciencing.com — Scientists Just Discovered The First New Cat Species In Over 100 Years
   6. note.com — [English Learning] Dedicated to Linnaeus, the Father of Taxonomy: 15% of the Unknown and a Thought Experiment on 'Human Classification'
   confidence 100%
2. 31d ago

   New Wild Cat Species Identified in Bolivia

   Scientists have formally identified the tilcayo, or Leopardus tilcayo, as the first new cat species discovered in a century. Native to Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests along the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains, the small feline is classified as a type of tiger cat. The discovery surfaced during a broader taxonomic review of small wild cats in the Neotropics. Genetic research indicates that additional cat species may soon be recognized as scientists continue to redraw the taxonomy of South America's tiger cats. Researchers suggest that genetic analysis could eventually split these regional felines into six or seven distinct species.

   Why it matters

   The formal description of Leopardus tilcayo marks a major milestone in feline taxonomy, ending a century-long drought in the discovery of new cat species since the pampas cat was named in 1923. Advanced genetic research is driving a broader reassessment of wild cats in South America, shifting how scientists classify biodiversity in cloud forest habitats. This taxonomic revision demonstrates how modern genetic tools can uncover hidden species within known animal groups.

   What is confirmed

   • Scientists identified the tilcayo, scientifically known as Leopardus tilcayo, as the first new cat species in a century.
   • The new species is native to Bolivia's Yungas forest ecoregion on the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains.
   • Genetic research suggests that several additional cat species may be waiting to be recognized.
   • A top cat expert states that genetics could split South America's tiger cats into six or seven species.

   What to watch next

   • Further genetic studies splitting South America's tiger cats into six or seven species
   • Formal scientific descriptions of additional newly recognized cat species
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. mongabay1.substack.com — A new cat species was just discovered. Several more may follow
   2. news.northeastern.edu — How Did Scientists Find the First New Cat Species in 100 Years?
   3. Phys.org — This cat is new to science. What does it take to identify a species?
   4. www.natureworldnews.com — The Tilcayo May Not Be the Last New Wild Cat as Genetics ...
   5. www.ideastream.org — Petting Zoo: New cat species discovered in Bolivia!
   6. jen.jiji.com — Rare diseases: from territories to institutions, RAREvolution towards a synthesis document (3)
   7. jen.jiji.com — Big Brother VIP, new episode tonight: previews
   8. tubelighttalks.com — New Cat Species Identified in Bolivia After More Than a Century
   9. thestute.com — The tilcayo: the first new cat species discovered in 100 years
   confidence 100%
3. 33d ago

   Tilcayo Wild Cat Discovered in Bolivia

   Scientists have identified the tilcayo, a new wild cat species native to Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests, marking the first living cat species discovered in over a century. Genetic analysis revealed the feline as a distinct species after nearly ten years at the Senda Verde Wildlife Refuge. Weighing 1.4 kilograms, the diminutive spotted cat features rounded ears and a slender body. The discovery emerged from a broader taxonomic review of small wild cats in the Neotropics and has transformed the animal into an unexpected tourist attraction in Coroico.

   Why it matters

   The identification of a new living cat species is a rare event in modern zoology, representing the first such discovery in more than a century. The finding stems from genetic testing showing the evolutionary lineage split from other cats. Conservation experts warn that the newly described species may require urgent protection.

   What is confirmed

   • The tilcayo is scientifically designated as Leopardus tilcayo.
   • The diminutive feline weighs just 1.4 kilograms.
   • The species is native to Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The tilcayo may need urgent conservation protection.

   What to watch next

   • Efforts by conservation experts to implement stronger protections for the tilcayo
   • Further scientific findings regarding Neotropical small wild cats following the taxonomic review
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.columbian.com — New wild cat species draws curious visitors
   2. www.envirolink.org — Meet the Tilcayo: First New Wild Cat Species Discovered in Over a Century - EnviroLink Network
   3. www.natureworldnews.com — The First New Wild Cat Species in More Than a Century May Need Stronger Protection, a Conservation Expert....
   4. www.envirolink.org — New Wild Cat Species Discovered in Bolivia — and Scientists ...
   5. jen.jiji.com — In Parma 'A World of Menus', Barilla exhibits historical collection
   confidence 95%
4. 35d ago

   First new living cat species in over a century found in Bolivia

   The tilcayo, a small spotted cat native to Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests, has been identified as a distinct species after nearly a decade at the Senda Verde Wildlife Refuge. Genetic analysis revealed the feline as a new species, marking the first living cat species identified in over a century. The discovery was made amid a broader taxonomic review of small wild cats in the Neotropics.

   Why it matters

   This discovery is significant as it marks a rare find in the field of zoology, with the last new living cat species identified over 100 years ago. The tilcayo's identification sheds light on the biodiversity of Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests and highlights the importance of continued research into the region's unique ecosystem. Experts suggest that several more cat species may follow this discovery.

   What is confirmed

   • The tilcayo (Leopardus tilcayo) is the first new living cat species identified in over a century.
   • The tilcayo is native to Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests.
   • The feline spent nearly a decade at the Senda Verde Wildlife Refuge before genetic analysis revealed it as a distinct species.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Experts suggest that several more cat species may follow this discovery.

   What to watch next

   • Further taxonomic reviews of small wild cats in the Neotropics
   • Conservation efforts for the tilcayo and its habitat
   • Potential discovery of additional new cat species in the region
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. news.mongabay.com — How new is the first ‘new-to-science’ cat discovered in more than 100 years?
   2. www.stltoday.com — Singing lemurs may use a soprano-like trick to project songs
   3. www.natureworldnews.com — A 'Weird Cat' Found as a Kitten on a Bolivian Road Is the ...
   4. the-tartan.org — Scientists discover first new cat species in over a century ...
   5. www.dvm360.com — New species discovered in Bolivia is first cat described in ...
   confidence 100%
5. 38d ago

   New Wild Cat Species Identified in Bolivia

   Scientists formally described the tilcayo, a small spotted cat native to Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests, marking the first living cat species identified in more than a century. The feline spent nearly a decade at the Senda Verde Wildlife Refuge before genetic analysis revealed it as a distinct species. Researchers identified the animal amid a broader taxonomic review of small wild cats in the Neotropics. Experts suggest that several more cat species may follow this discovery.

   Why it matters

   This identification represents a major milestone in feline taxonomy as the first new living cat species documented in over one hundred years. The discovery emerged from ongoing scientific efforts to reexamine small wild cat classifications across the Neotropics. Further taxonomic reviews in the region could potentially reveal additional undiscovered feline species.

   What is confirmed

   • Scientists described the tilcayo, a small spotted cat from Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests.
   • This finding marks the first new living cat species discovered in more than a century.
   • The discovery comes amid a review of Neotropical small wild cat taxonomy.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Several more cat species may follow the discovery of the tilcayo.

   What to watch next

   • Additional taxonomic revisions of small wild cats in the Neotropics
   • Further announcements regarding potential new cat species from the region
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. news.mongabay.com — A new cat species was just discovered. Several more may follow
   2. www.theguardian.com — Week in wildlife: a tiny tiger-cat, backyard bears and a frilly pink sea cucumber
   3. ua.news — New species of tilcayo cat described in Bolivia — Mongabay
   4. foreignpolicy.com — Venezuela’s Acting Leader Makes Her U.N. Debut
   confidence 100%
6. 40d ago

   Bolivia identifies first new cat species in over a century

   Scientists formally named and described Leopardus tilcayo, a small wild cat from Bolivia's cloud forests. The feline lived at the Senda Verde Wildlife Refuge for nearly a decade before researchers identified it as a distinct species through genetic analysis. Juan Pablo Heredia, Senda Verde's Coordinator of Wildlife Keepers, describes the animal as having a strong, temperamental personality. This discovery marks the first time a living cat species has been identified in more than 100 years.

   Why it matters

   The cat inhabits the Yungas region. This finding highlights gaps in wildlife knowledge, as Heredia noted that species cannot be protected if they remain unknown.

   What is confirmed

   • Leopardus tilcayo is the first new living cat species formally named and described in more than a century.
   • The cat is native to the cloud forests of Bolivia's Yungas region.
   • The feline was housed at the Senda Verde Wildlife Refuge.

   What to watch next

   • Field surveys to determine the wild population size of Leopardus tilcayo
   • Peer-reviewed publication of the full genetic data used for the species description
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.thestar.com.my — Say hello to the Tilcayo, the first new cat species identified in over a century
   2. www.etvbharat.com — Bolivian Tilcayo Leopard Is The First New Species Of Cat To Be Found In Over A Century
   confidence 100%
7. 41d ago

   Bolivian Wildcat Identified as Leopardus tilcayo

   Researchers have officially named a new species of housecat-sized feline discovered in Bolivia as Leopardus tilcayo. Genetic data and DNA analysis confirmed the animal is a distinct species, marking the first time a new cat has been identified in over 100 years. The feline lived in a Yungas forest wildlife sanctuary for years before scientists recognized it was not a domestic cat. The scientific name retains the animal's local designation.

   Why it matters

   The discovery occurred in the misty Yungas forest of Bolivia. This identification ends a century-long gap in the naming of new feline species.

   What is confirmed

   • The new feline species is named Leopardus tilcayo.
   • DNA and genetic data confirmed the animal is a new species.
   • This is the first new cat species identified in more than 100 years.
   • The cat is roughly the size of a housecat.

   What to watch next

   • Further population surveys in the Yungas forest
   • Peer-reviewed publication of the genetic data
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. www.zmescience.com — This Tiny Wildcat Was Mistaken for a House Cat and Turned Out to Be the First New Cat Species in More Than 100 Years
   2. www.khaleejtimes.com — New cat species identified for first time in over a century in Bolivia
   3. www.inquirer.com — Trump returns to UN at a moment of anxiety about Iran, AI and the future of world body itself
   confidence 100%
8. 43d ago

   New Wild Cat Species Identified in Bolivia

   Scientists have officially confirmed a new species of spotted wildcat in Bolivia, marking the first time a new feline has been named in over a century. The small cat was discovered living at a wildlife sanctuary in the misty Yungas forest, where it resided in plain sight for years before its formal identification. Multiple organizations verified the discovery based on the animal's distinct physical characteristics.

   Why it matters

   Finding a new cat species is exceptionally rare, and this discovery breaks a century-long gap in feline taxonomical additions. The animal is currently undergoing ongoing scientific study while housed at the sanctuary.

   What is confirmed

   • A new wild cat species has been confirmed in Bolivia.
   • This discovery marks the first time in over a century that a new cat species has been named.
   • The small, spotted feline was found living at a wildlife sanctuary in Bolivia.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The new cat species was discovered in Bolivia's misty Yungas forest.

   What to watch next

   • Further scientific study results detailing the cat species
   • Official publication of the taxonomic classification
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. finance.biggo.com — New Wild Cat Species Discovered in Bolivia's Yungas Forest, First in 100 Years
   2. www.mid-day.com — Meet Earth's newest wild cat species, the first named in over a century, in Bolivia
   3. ca.news.yahoo.com — Do you rent in Ontario? Here's what you need to know about new rental rules
   confidence 100%
9. 44d ago

   New cat species identified at Bolivian wildlife sanctuary

   Scientists identified a new species of spotted wildcat in La Paz, Bolivia, ending a 100-year gap in feline discoveries. The animal was found at a wildlife sanctuary and is currently under scientific study. This discovery marks the first time in over a century that a previously unknown cat species has been formally recognized. Multiple organizations confirmed the identification based on the animal's distinct physical characteristics.

   Why it matters

   The 100-year hiatus in feline discoveries highlights the rarity of finding new mammalian species in the modern era. This find suggests that some species may exist in plain sight within managed environments. Researchers are now working to determine the species' full biological profile.

   What is confirmed

   • A new cat species was discovered in La Paz, Bolivia.
   • This is the first new cat species identified in 100 years.

   What to watch next

   • Publication of formal taxonomic research
   • Determination of the species' wild population size
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.yahoo.com — The First New Cat Species Discovered In 100 Years Looks Like A Beanie Baby Come To Life
   2. www.wcjb.com — Scientists discover new cat species for first time in 100 years
   confidence 100%
10. 45d ago

    New Spotted Cat Species Identified in Bolivia

    Researchers identified a new species of spotted wildcat in a Bolivian forest, marking the first time a new cat species has been discovered in over a century. The feline was found within Bolivia's forest regions. This discovery ends a 100-year gap in the identification of new feline species. Multiple scientific and news organizations have confirmed the identification of the animal based on its distinct characteristics.

    Why it matters

    The identification of a new mammal species is rare in the modern era. This find provides new data on feline biodiversity in South America. It highlights the role of Bolivian forests as habitats for previously unknown wildlife.

    What is confirmed

    • A new cat species was identified in Bolivia.
    • This is the first new cat species discovered in more than 100 years.
    • The new species is a spotted wildcat found in a Bolivian forest.

    What to watch next

    • Publication of the formal taxonomic name for the species
    • Detailed population estimates and conservation status reports
    Sources used for this update (6)

    1. National Geographic — Meet the First New Cat Species Discovered in 100 Years
    2. The Guardian — New cat species identified in Bolivia for first time in more than a century
    3. Scientific American — See the first new species of cat discovered in more than a century—it’s adorable
    4. BBC — Spotted wildcat from Bolivian forest revealed as new species
    5. wfla.com — New cat species identified for first time in 100 years
    6. Good Morning America — First new feline species in 100 years discovered in Bolivian forest
    confidence 100%