New Species of Cat Discovered for First Time in a Century

Live updates

1. 2h 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%