New Species of Cat Discovered for First Time in a Century

Live updates

1. 14d ago

   Researchers Identify Tilcayo as First New Cat Species in Over 100 Years

   Scientists have formally described the tilcayo, or Leopardus tilcayo, a small wild cat native to the Yungas cloud forests of Bolivia. Weighing between three and four pounds, the feline is smaller than a domestic cat and has light brown fur with irregular rosettes. It lives where the Amazon basin meets the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains. This discovery marks the first addition to the felidae family since the pampas cat was identified in 1923. The classification resulted from a taxonomic review that divided the Leopardus tigrinus species into five distinct tiger cat species.

   Why it matters

   The discovery corrects a long-standing taxonomic grouping of tiger cats. It highlights the biological diversity of the Andes-Amazon transition zone. The 103-year gap between new species descriptions emphasizes the rarity of such finds in the cat family.

   What is confirmed

   • The tilcayo, or Leopardus tilcayo, is a small wild cat found in Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests.
   • The tilcayo is the first new member of the felidae family identified since the pampas cat in 1923.
   • The feline weighs between three and four pounds and has light brown fur with irregular rosettes.
   • The species resides where the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains meet the Amazon basin.
   • A taxonomic review split the Leopardus tigrinus species into five distinct tiger cat species.

   What to watch next

   • Population estimates for the tilcayo in the Yungas cloud forests
   • Conservation status designations for the five new tiger cat species
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.timeout.com — Things to do in Bangkok
   2. help.naver.com — Futures Flat As Oil Rebounds After Trump's "Energy Ceasefire" Unravels, Memory Stocks Slide | ZeroHedge
   3. sas.vt.edu — News | School of Animal Sciences | Virginia Tech
   4. www.parkrecord.com — Community Calendar: Upcoming events as of Oct. 14, 2026 - Park Record
   5. www.cnn.com — How trail cams and livestreams are inspiring a new generation of conservationists
   confidence 100%
2. 17d ago

   Scientists identify tilcayo as first new wild cat species in over a century

   Researchers have formally described the tilcayo, or Leopardus tilcayo, a small wild cat found in Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests. This is the first new member of the felidae family identified in more than 100 years, following the pampas cat in 1923. The feline is smaller than a domestic cat, weighing between three and four pounds, and features light brown fur with irregular rosettes. It resides where the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains meet the Amazon basin. The discovery follows a taxonomic review that split the once-single Leopardus tigrinus species into five distinct tiger cat species.

   Why it matters

   The American feline genus Leopardus includes the ocelot, margay, and tiger cats. Nocturnal habits and dense habitats previously made it difficult to classify these animals. The tilcayo was previously grouped under a species listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

   What is confirmed

   • The tilcayo is the first new wild cat species identified in over 100 years.
   • The species lives in the Bolivian Yungas cloud forests on the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains.
   • The tilcayo weighs between three and four pounds and is smaller than a house cat.
   • The cat has light brown fur with large, irregularly shaped rosettes.
   • The first formal naming of a living cat species prior to this was the pampas cat in 1923.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A cat mistaken for a stray was taken in by a Bolivian family in 2016 after being found alone on a road.

   What to watch next

   • Updates on the conservation status of the tilcayo from the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
   • Further genomic studies to confirm the boundaries between the five tiger cat species.
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. a-z-animals.com — AZ Animals
   2. www.goodnet.org — Biologists Discover Tiny Wild Cat Species - GOODNET
   3. theticker.org — New tiger cat species found in Bolivia - The Ticker
   4. www.ksl.com — Have You Seen This? New cat species found in Bolivia
   5. www.farmersforum.ie — New Feline Species Identified for the First Time in Over a ...
   6. rob-tom-dolly-franklin.blogspot.com — The Buzzletter Blog: Discovery! Tilcayo, the First Brand-New ...
   7. www.nationalgeographic.com — What Happens When Your New Cat Species Goes Mega-Viral?
   8. www.discoverwildlife.com — 10 ecosystem killers: Destructive, brutal animals that destroy entire habitats | Discover Wildlife
   9. www.geo.tv — Isle of Wight fossil sheds light on enigmatic meat-eating dinosaurs - Geo News
   10. theconversation.com — Over 40 years ago, a mystery vigilante released a fungus to control blackberry in Australia. But why?
   11. theconversation.com — What we talk about when we talk about US strategic ‘credibility’ – from Vietnam to Iran
   12. www.audubon.org — American Robin | Audubon Field Guide
   confidence 90%
3. 22d ago

   New Cat Species Identified in Bolivia

   Scientists have formally described a new cat species in the forests of Bolivia for the first time in over a hundred years. Researchers identified the small spotted tiger cat, known as the tilcayo or Leopardus tilcayo, in Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests on the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains. This discovery marks the first formal naming of a living cat species since the pampas cat was identified in 1923. The animal remained unidentified for years even though researchers knew a tiger cat existed in the region, following a broader taxonomic reassessment identifying five distinct tiger cat species across South and Central America.

   Why it matters

   The identification of a new living feline species is a rare event in modern zoology, with the previous naming occurring over a century ago. This classification stems from a broader taxonomic reassessment that divides tiger cats into five distinct species across South and Central America. Understanding these feline populations helps clarify regional biodiversity along the eastern slope of the Andes.

   What is confirmed

   • Scientists have identified a new cat species in the forests of Bolivia for the first time in over a hundred years.
   • Researchers formally described the tilcayo, or Leopardus tilcayo, as a small spotted tiger cat from Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests.
   • This discovery marks the first formal naming of a living cat species since the pampas cat was identified in 1923.
   • The feline was found on the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains and remained unidentified for years despite known regional presence.
   • The finding follows a broader taxonomic reassessment identifying five distinct tiger cat species across South and Central America.

   What to watch next

   • Further field studies to determine exact population numbers and distribution ranges for the tilcayo.
   • Additional genetic or morphological publications from researchers detailing the five distinct tiger cat species.
   Sources used for this update (22)

   1. www.nytimes.com — The New York Times - Breaking News, US News, World News and Videos
   2. www.cnn.com — Breaking News, Latest News and Videos | CNN
   3. www.nbcnews.com — NBC News - Breaking Headlines and Video Reports on World, U.S....
   4. www.foxnews.com — Fox News - Breaking News Updates | Latest News Headlines | Photos...
   5. www.bbc.com — BBC News - Breaking news, video and the latest top stories from...
   6. news.google.com — Google News
   7. www.miragenews.com — Research Gives Record Population Estimate for Seychelles Giant Tortoises
   8. www.discoverwildlife.com — Is it a bear? Is it a dog? No, it’s something in between… | Discover Wildlife
   9. globalpost.com — Mistaken Identity - GlobalPost
   10. a-z-animals.com — A New Salish Sea Spider Is So Grimy It Hosts Its Own Ecosystem
   11. www.popsci.com — Giant tortoises now outnumber people in the Seychelles
   12. nationalzoo.si.edu — The Smithsonian National Zoo's Cheetah Cub Cam Returns — With Five Adorable Reasons to Tune In
   confidence 90%
4. 29d ago

   Bolivian Tilcayo Identified as First New Cat Species in Over a Century

   Scientists have formally described the tilcayo (Leopardus tilcayo), a small spotted tiger cat from Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests, as a new species. This marks the first formal naming of a living cat species since the pampas cat was identified in 1923. Found on the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains, the feline remained unidentified for years despite researchers knowing a tiger cat existed in the region. The discovery follows a broader taxonomic reassessment that identifies five distinct tiger cat species across South and Central America.

   Why it matters

   The discovery corrects a century-long gap in feline taxonomy. It highlights the biological importance of the Yungas ecoregion and the role of wildlife refuges in scientific identification.

   What is confirmed

   • The tilcayo is a type of tiger cat native to the Yungas forest ecoregion in Bolivia.
   • The tilcayo is the first new living cat species formally named in over 100 years.
   • The pampas cat was the previous newest cat species discovered in 1923.
   • The Yungas forest ecoregion is located on the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains.

   What to watch next

   • Further taxonomic studies on the five identified tiger cat species
   • Conservation status assessments for the L. tilcayo population
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. thestute.com — The tilcayo: the first new cat species discovered in 100 years
   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. Scroll.in — Tilcayo: Bolivia’s new tiger cat is first to be discovered in ...
   5. www.sciencing.com — Scientists Just Discovered The First New Cat Species In Over 100 Years
   6. Zamin.uz — New wild cat species discovered in Bolivia after a century
   7. jen.jiji.com — Student protests in France, 15-year-old loses a hand
   8. horrorpress.com — Fantastic Fest: ‘In a Violent Nature 2’ Review
   9. Phys.org — New saber-toothed predator from Argentina suggests its lineage survived longer than believed
   confidence 100%
5. 30d ago

   New Wild Cat Species Classified in Bolivia

   Researchers have formally classified the tilcayo, scientifically named Leopardus tilcayo, as a new wild cat species native to the cloud forests of Bolivia's Yungas region. This small tiger cat marks the first new living wild cat species discovered globally in more than a century. The animal was initially found as a kitten beside a Bolivian road and spent nearly ten years at the Senda Verde Wildlife Refuge before the formal scientific announcement. The discovery is tied to a broader taxonomic reassessment identifying five distinct tiger cat species across Central and South America.

   Why it matters

   The classification of the tilcayo highlights ongoing efforts by scientists to uncover and properly categorize unknown life on Earth using advanced taxonomic methods. This discovery emerged from a sweeping reassessment of tiger cats throughout Central and South and regions. The rare animal spent nearly a decade at a wildlife refuge after being rescued from a roadside before receiving its official scientific designation.

   What is confirmed

   • Researchers have classified the tilcayo, scientifically named Leopardus tilcayo, as the first new living wild cat species discovered globally in more than one hundred years.
   • The tilcayo is native to the cloud forests of Bolivia's Yungas region.
   • The small tiger cat was initially found as a kitten beside a Bolivian road.
   • The animal spent nearly ten years at the Senda Verde Wildlife Refuge prior to the formal announcement by scientists.
   • The discovery emerged alongside a broader taxonomic reassessment of tiger cats across Central and South America involving the identification of five distinct species.

   What to watch next

   • Further field studies in Bolivia's Yungas region to determine the wild population size and distribution of the tilcayo
   • Additional taxonomic updates and published findings stemming from the broader reassessment of Central and South American tiger cats
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.foxweather.com — See it: Rare two-headed turtle hatchling found on Cape Cod
   2. www.foxweather.com — New penguin species discovered using cutting-edge genetic analysis | Fox Weather
   3. www.audubon.org — From Feral Cats to Speeding Cars, Hawaiʻi’s Native Nēnē Face a New Era of Danger
   4. www.cascadiadaily.com — A loving goodbye to the community I came to know through 500-plus stories
   5. note.com — [English Learning] Dedicated to Linnaeus, the Father of Taxonomy: 15% of the Unknown and a Thought Experiment on 'Human Classification'
   6. www.arkansasonline.com — Local notes: Olli, Barbara S. Lewis opening, native plant sale and more
   confidence 100%
6. 34d ago

   Scientists Discover First New Living Cat Species in a Century

   Researchers have classified the tilcayo, scientifically named Leopardus tilcayo, as the first new living wild cat species discovered globally in more than one hundred years. Native to the cloud forests of Bolivia's Yungas region, this small tiger cat was initially found as a kitten beside a Bolivian road. The animal spent nearly ten years at the Senda Verde Wildlife Refuge prior to the formal announcement by scientists. The discovery emerged alongside a broader taxonomic reassessment of tiger cats across Central and South America, which involved the identification of five distinct species.

   Why it matters

   This classification marks a major milestone in mammalogy, ending a century-long drought in the discovery of new living feline species. The finding stems from ongoing genetic research that is prompting scientists to reevaluate wild cat taxonomy globally. Experts believe this methodological push indicates that several additional hidden cat species may still await formal recognition.

   What is confirmed

   • Scientists have described a new species of tiger cat named the tilcayo, or Leopardus tilcayo, in Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests.
   • The tilcayo is the first new living cat species discovered globally in more than 100 years.
   • The animal spent nearly ten years at the Senda Verde Wildlife Refuge before scientists announced its classification.
   • The specimen was originally found as a kitten beside a Bolivian road.
   • Genetic research and taxonomic reassessments suggest that several additional cat species may be waiting to be recognized.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Cats may identify one another through a scent-recognition system made from thirteen unusual fatty acids in their urine linked to fat droplets in the kidneys.

   What to watch next

   • Further genetic studies on Central and South American tiger cats to determine if additional species will be formally recognized.
   • Field expeditions in the Yungas region and other cloud forests to locate more wild populations of Leopardus tilcayo.
   Sources used for this update (10)

   1. news.mongabay.com — How new is the first ‘new-to-science’ cat discovered in more than 100 years?
   2. www.natureworldnews.com — A 'Weird Cat' Found as a Kitten on a Bolivian Road Is the ...
   3. www.myanmaritv.com — New wild cat species discovered in Bolivia for the first time in a century | Myanmar International TV
   4. www.sciencedaily.com — Scientists discover a hidden “ID card” in cat urine
   5. mongabay1.substack.com — A new cat species was just discovered. Several more may follow
   6. a-z-animals.com — Sea Otter Animal Facts - Enhydra lutris
   7. the-tartan.org — Scientists discover first new cat species in over a century ...
   8. news.northeastern.edu — How Did Scientists Find the First New Cat Species in 100 Years?
   9. Phys.org — This cat is new to science. What does it take to identify a species?
   10. www.foxweather.com — Fall hunting guide 2026 — when to go, where to hunt and what’s in season | Fox Weather
   confidence 90%
7. 38d ago

   Bolivian Cloud Forest Cat Identified as First New Species in Century

   Researchers have classified the tilcayo, or Leopardus tilcayo, as the first new living cat species discovered globally in over 100 years. This small spotted feline lives in the Yungas region of Bolivia. The animal spent nearly ten years at the Senda Verde Wildlife Refuge before scientists announced its classification. Experts believe this finding suggests other unidentified cat species may still exist.

   Why it matters

   The discovery challenges previous assumptions about feline biodiversity. It highlights how animals in captivity can lead to the identification of unknown wild species.

   What is confirmed

   • The tilcayo is a small spotted feline from the cloud forests of Bolivia.
   • Leopardus tilcayo is the first new living cat species identified globally in more than a century.
   • The feline inhabits the Yungas region.
   • Caretakers at the Senda Verde Wildlife Refuge held the animal for nearly a decade before its classification was announced.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Several additional cat species might follow this recent finding.

   What to watch next

   • Identification of additional feline species
   • Further biological studies of the Yungas region population
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.stltoday.com — Singing lemurs may use a soprano-like trick to project songs
   2. sanantonioreport.org — A deep dive into the Ice Age cave hiding inside a San Antonio subdivision
   confidence 100%
8. 39d ago

   New Wild Cat Species Discovered in Bolivia

   Scientists recently described the tilcayo, also known as Leopardus tilcayo, a small spotted feline originating from the cloud forests of Bolivia. This discovery marks the first time a new living cat species has been identified globally in more than a century. The animal inhabits the Yungas region and is currently housed at the Senda Verde Wildlife Refuge, where caretakers spent nearly a decade holding the feline prior to the public announcement of its classification. Experts suggest that several additional cat species might follow this recent finding.

   Why it matters

   The formal description of Leopardus tilcayo generated global headlines last week as researchers identified the small spotted cat in Bolivia. Unlike several other felines that were recently recognized through taxonomic revisions, this specimen represents an entirely new living cat species discovery. The animal possesses a strong and temperamental personality, according to refuge staff.

   What is confirmed

   • The tilcayo, scientifically designated as Leopardus tilcayo, is a small spotted cat discovered in Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests.
   • This discovery marks the first time a new living cat species has been found in more than a century.

   Still unconfirmed

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

   What to watch next

   • Further announcements regarding potential new cat species following the tilcayo discovery
   • Additional details on the habitat and population of Leopardus tilcayo in Bolivia
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. news.mongabay.com — A new cat species was just discovered. Several more may follow
   2. sports.yahoo.com — The Hoddle of Coffee: Tottenham Hotspur News and Links for Friday, September 25
   3. www.theguardian.com — Week in wildlife: a tiny tiger-cat, backyard bears and a frilly pink sea cucumber
   4. news.lee.net — Republicans may have gerrymandered a Latino problem
   confidence 100%
9. 41d ago

   Bolivian Tilcayo Leopard Identified as First New Cat Species in a Century

   Scientists have formally named and described Leopardus tilcayo, a diminutive wild cat from Bolivia's cloud forests. This discovery marks the first time a new living cat species has been identified in over 100 years. The feline inhabits the Yungas region and is currently housed at the Senda Verde Wildlife Refuge. Juan Pablo Heredia, Coordinator of Wildlife Keepers at Senda Verde, describes the animal as having a strong, temperamental personality. The refuge held the cat for nearly a decade before the species classification was announced to the public.

   Why it matters

   The feline was previously mistaken for a house cat until genetic analysis confirmed its distinct classification. Its presence in the Yungas forest has recently drawn tourists to Coroico. Identifying unknown species is essential for establishing conservation protections.

   What is confirmed

   • Leopardus tilcayo is the first new living cat species identified and described in more than a century.
   • The cat inhabits the Yungas region of Bolivia's cloud forests.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The cat possesses a temperamental personality similar to small dogs.
   • Senda Verde Wildlife Refuge received the cat almost a decade ago.

   What to watch next

   • Publication of the formal genetic study detailing the classification of Leopardus tilcayo.
   • Official conservation status designation for the species in the Yungas region.
   Sources used for this update (3)

   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
   3. www.cleveland19.com — Pawcast, Episode 24: Happy September Howlidays!
   confidence 90%
10. 42d ago

    New Wildcat Species Identified in Bolivia

    DNA testing has confirmed the discovery of a tiny wildcat species in Bolivia, marking the first time a new feline species has been identified in over a century. The housecat-sized animal lives in the cloud forests of Bolivia, specifically inhabiting the Yungas forest region. This biological discovery has already begun drawing tourists to Coroico as travelers arrive hoping to spot the spotted feline in its native habitat. Previously mistaken for a house cat, the diminutive creature remained hidden in plain sight until genetic analysis revealed its true classification.

    Why it matters

    Scientists rely on genetic testing to uncover distinct populations that closely resemble known animals. Finding a completely new feline species after a hundred years highlights the hidden biodiversity remaining in South American cloud forests. Local areas are already experiencing tourism impacts as people travel to catch a glimpse of the rare animal.

    What is confirmed

    • DNA testing revealed a housecat-sized feline that was previously mistaken for a house cat.
    • The discovery marks the first new feline species identified in more than 100 years.
    • A diminutive wild cat inhabiting Bolivia's cloud forests has been identified as a previously unknown species.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The population of the newly identified wild cat is critically limited.
    • Tourists are traveling to Coroico specifically to catch a glimpse of the spotted feline in its native cloud forest habitat.

    What to watch next

    • Formal population assessments by conservation biologists in Bolivia's Yungas forest
    • Official management or protection plans from local authorities in Coroico regarding increased tourism
    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.nny360.com — Tiny Bolivian wildcat identified as first new feline species in a century
    3. www.omanobserver.om — NEW CAT SPECIES SPOTTED IN BOLIVIA AFTER 100 YEARS
    confidence 90%
11. 44d ago

    Bolivian Cloud Forest Cat Becomes Tourist Attraction

    A newly identified species of tiny wild cat in Bolivia's Yungas forest has started attracting tourists to Coroico. This discovery marks the first time a new feline species has been confirmed in 100 years. While the animal is a significant biological find, previous reports suggest the population is critically limited. Visitors are now traveling to the region to catch a glimpse of the spotted feline in its native cloud forest habitat.

    Why it matters

    The discovery occurred in the misty Yungas forest of Bolivia. It represents a rare taxonomic event given the century-long gap since the last new cat species identification.

    What is confirmed

    • Scientists identified a new species of tiny wild cat in the cloud forests of Bolivia.
    • This is the first discovery of a new feline species in a century.
    • The cat is located in the Yungas forest.

    Still unconfirmed

    • There is only one known living member of the species.

    What to watch next

    • Official population counts from international researchers
    • Government implementation of tourist restrictions to protect the species
    Sources used for this update (3)

    1. www.winnipegfreepress.com — Tiny wild cat newly identified as a species draws curious visitors in Bolivia
    2. www.odt.co.nz — Shy little robin claims Bird of the Year title
    3. finance.biggo.com — New Wild Cat Species Discovered in Bolivia's Yungas Forest, First in 100 Years
    confidence 90%
12. 45d ago

    Scientists Identify First New Cat Species in Over a Century

    Scientists have discovered a new species of wild cat in the cloud forests of Bolivia, marking the first time a new feline species has been identified in more than 100 years. The animal is described as a tiny, spotted wildcat. While the discovery is a significant biological milestone, the species appears critically limited in population, with one report stating there is only one known living member of the species.

    Why it matters

    Identifying a new mammal species in the modern era is rare, particularly for well-studied groups like felines. This discovery highlights the biodiversity remaining in remote Bolivian forests. It raises urgent questions about the conservation status of the animal.

    What is confirmed

    • A new species of wild cat was discovered in the forests of Bolivia.
    • This is the first new feline species identified in over 100 years.
    • The new species is a spotted wildcat.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The new species, referred to as a tiger cat, has only one known living member.

    What to watch next

    • Publication of the formal scientific name and genetic classification.
    Sources used for this update (13)

    1. National Geographic — Meet the First New Cat Species Discovered in 100 Years
    2. BBC — Spotted wildcat from Bolivian forest revealed as new species
    3. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — First new feline species in 100 years discovered in Bolivian forest
    4. The New York Times — New Species of Cat Discovered for First Time in a Century
    5. Yahoo — Meet the New Cat Species Discovered by Scientists for the First Time in 100 Years
    6. AP News — Meet Earth’s newest wild cat species, the first named in over a century
    7. People.com — New Wild ‘Tiger Cat’ Species Discovered — with Only 1 Known Living Member
    8. thedailybeast.com — Former Republican Senate Whip Dies at 84
    9. FOX Weather — New wild cat species discovered after hiding in plain sight for more than a century
    10. allthatsinteresting.com — The World’s First New Cat Species In 100 Years Has Just Emerged From The Cloud Forests Of Bolivia
    11. Dallas News — Tiny Bolivian wildcat identified as first new feline species in a century
    12. The Week — Tiger cat named 1st new feline species in century
    confidence 90%