New species of wild cat discovered for first time in more than a century, researcher says

Live updates

1. 13h ago

   New Wild Cat Species Identified in Bolivia

   Scientists have officially identified a new wild cat species in Bolivia named the tilcayo, carrying the scientific name Leopardus tilcayo. This marks the first new living cat species formally described in more than 100 years. The miniature animal weighs only about three to four pounds, making it smaller than many house cats. Investigators spent nearly 10 years using detective work and teamwork to uncover the identity of the animal, which originates from the tropical forests and the Yungas forest region of Bolivia.

   Why it matters

   The discovery emerges from tropical and cloud forest habitats where a local man found an orphan kitten in 2017. Researchers noted that the wild cat displays light brown fur with irregular rosettes. Biologists identified the lineage through genomic analysis after a rescued animal formerly kept as a pet, named Tigrino, was brought to the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary.

   What is confirmed

   • Scientists have officially identified a new species of wild cat called the tilcayo, with the scientific name Leopardus tilcayo.
   • The tilcayo is the first new living cat species to be formally described in more than 100 years.
   • The small wild cat weighs only about three to four pounds, making it smaller than many house cats.
   • The discovery process began nearly 10 years ago after a local man found an orphan kitten in the Yungas forest region of Bolivia in 2017 and adopted it.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Only two members of the species are known to exist so far, and its habitat is shrinking.

   What to watch next

   • Further field expeditions in the tropical forests of Bolivia to locate additional tilcayo specimens.
   • Published peer-reviewed genomic data detailing the phylogenetic lineage of Leopardus tilcayo.
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. kids.guinnessworldrecords.com — “Weird” kitten found in the Bolivian jungle is a whole new ...
   2. wyliepawprint.net — New Species of Cat Discovered – The Paw Print
   3. www.iheart.com — Ep 226 Glanders: Straight from the horse’s mouth
   4. www.thenewsofkids.com — A New Wild Cat Discovered: The Mystery of the Tilcayo
   confidence 95%
2. 5d ago

   New Wild Cat Species Discovered in Bolivia

   Biologists have identified a new wild cat species in Bolivia named the Leopardus tilcayo, originating from the Yungas forests and cloud forest. A rescued animal formerly kept as a pet named Tigrino now resides at the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary, prompting a genomic analysis that revealed the lineage. Measuring 46 centimeters and weighing 1.4 kilograms, the miniature mountain cat displays light brown fur with irregular rosettes. Only two members of the species are known to exist so far, and scientists note that its habitat is shrinking.

   Why it matters

   This discovery marks the first new living cat species description in over a century. DNA analysis placed the animal on a branch that split 1.4 million years ago, prompting a review of an entire group of felines. The finding highlights both the biodiversity of the Yungas region and the conservation challenges facing newly identified mountain wildlife.

   What is confirmed

   • Biologists have identified a new wild cat species in Bolivia named Leopardus tilcayo.
   • The discovery marks the first new living cat species description in over a century.
   • Only two members of the species are known to exist.
   • The miniature mountain cat measures 46 centimeters and weighs 1.4 kilograms.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The habitat of the Leopardus tilcayo is shrinking.

   What to watch next

   • Further field surveys in the Yungas forests to locate additional members of the species
   • Formal conservation status assessments and habitat protection measures
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. petmoments.net — A rescued pet cat became the first new cat species in a century
   2. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — New Wild Cat Species Discovered in Bolivia: Meet Leopardus ...
   3. fluentide.com — HSK 4 Chinese Podcast — 一百年才被发现的新猫 | Fluentide
   confidence 95%
3. 8d ago

   New Wild Cat Species Identified in Bolivia

   Biologists have identified a new wild cat species in Bolivia named the Leopardus tilcayo, marking the first discovery of its kind in more than a century. The miniature mountain cat measures 46 centimeters and weighs 1.4 kilograms, featuring light brown fur with irregular rosettes. DNA revelations prompted the review of an entire group of felines after a young feline arrived at a sanctuary. Only two members of the species have been identified so far, according to reports.

   Why it matters

   This identification marks the first discovery of a new wild cat species in over a century. Researchers found that the animal possesses a distinct lineage that remained undescribed for 1.4 million years.

   What is confirmed

   • Biologists identified a new wild cat species in Bolivia named the Leopardus tilcayo.
   • The miniature mountain cat measures 46 centimeters and weighs 1.4 kilograms.
   • The species has a distinct lineage that remained undescribed for 1.4 million years.
   • The animal features light brown fur with irregular rosettes.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Only two members of the species have been identified so far.

   What to watch next

   • Further field identification of additional Leopardus tilcayo specimens in Bolivia
   • Published scientific papers detailing the DNA revelations and feline group review
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. www.dogonews.com — Scientists Identify First New Wild Cat Species In Over 100 ...
   2. www.wfmz.com — Scientists identify first new wild cat species in more than ...
   3. www.youngpostclub.com — Scientists discover first new wildcat in 100 years
   confidence 100%
4. 11d ago

   New Wild Cat Species Identified in Bolivia

   Biologists have identified a new wild cat species in Bolivia named the Leopardus tilcayo, marking the first discovery of its kind in more than a century. The miniature mountain cat measures 46 centimeters and weighs 1.4 kilograms, with a distinct linage that remained undescribed for 1.4 million years. A young feline delivered to a sanctuary in Bolivia prompted biologists to review an entire group of felines, leading to DNA revelations about the animal. The species features light brown fur with irregular rosettes.

   Why it matters

   The discovery offers new insights into feline lineages that remained hidden for over a million years. Researchers hope the finding will aid conservation efforts for the newly categorized animal. However, industrial pressures threaten the animal's survival as mining operations in the La Paz region encroach upon its tropical forest habitat.

   What is confirmed

   • Biologists have identified the Leopardus tilcayo as a new species of wild cat found in Bolivia.
   • This discovery represents the first new wild cat species described in more than a century.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Mining operations in the La Paz region are encroaching on the animal's tropical forest habitat due to high gold prices and a national economic crisis.
   • The miniature mountain cat has been seen all over social media.

   What to watch next

   • Further DNA analysis and scientific publication regarding the Leopardus tilcayo lineage
   • Updates on conservation measures to protect the feline's habitat from mining operations in the La Paz region
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.chch.com — New cat species discovered for the first time in over a ...
   2. www.postcourier.com.pg — Drum – Tidbit
   3. www.que.es — Descubren la primera especie nueva de gato en más ...
   4. olhardigital.com.br — Biólogos concordam: descoberta na Bolívia a primeira espécie ...
   confidence 100%
5. 14d ago

   Mining threats emerge for newly discovered tilcayo wild cat in Bolivia

   Scientists have identified the tilcayo, or Leopardus tilcayo, as a new species of wild cat found in Bolivia. This discovery is the first of its kind in over a century. The feline weighs between three and four pounds and features light brown fur with irregular rosettes. While researchers believe the finding will assist conservation efforts, mining operations in the La Paz region are now encroaching on the animal's tropical forest habitat due to high gold prices and a national economic crisis.

   Why it matters

   The species was first identified after a Bolivian family kept a specimen as a pet, feeding it rice and noodles. DNA studies later revealed five distinct tiger cat species where scientists previously assumed only one existed.

   What is confirmed

   • The tilcayo is a new species of wild cat discovered in Bolivia.
   • The species is officially named Leopardus tilcayo.
   • The animal weighs between three and four pounds.
   • This is the first time a new wild cat species has been identified in over 100 years.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Mining driven by record gold prices and Bolivia's economic crisis is encroaching on the tropical forests of the La Paz region.
   • A DNA study found five tiger cats where one was previously assumed.

   What to watch next

   • Data on the specific size of the tilcayo population in the La Paz region
   • Official conservation status designations for Leopardus tilcayo
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. www.wionews.com — A first in 100 years: New cat species discovered in Bolivia ...
   2. sqpn.com — Meet the Tilcayo - sqpn.com
   3. english.elpais.com — Gold fever closes in on the habitat of the tilcayo, Bolivia’s newly discovered wild cat
   confidence 90%
6. 17d ago

   New Wild Cat Species Discovered in Bolivia After Century

   Researchers have officially described the tilcayo, a tiny new species of wild cat discovered in Bolivia. Weighing between three and four pounds, the diminutive feline was identified following years of genetic questioning after a Bolivian family kept a specimen as a pet. Scientists formally introduced the new member of the felidae family in September 2026. This discovery marks the first time a completely new wild cat species has been identified in over a century. The animal features light brown fur marked with large, irregularly shaped rosettes and a scrunched face.

   Why it matters

   The American feline genus Leopardus includes several small cat varieties such as the ocelot and margay, which have historically been difficult to classify due to their nocturnal habits and remote habitats. Previously, related tiger cats were often grouped together as a single species and listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Modern genetic testing ultimately allowed researchers to separate the tilcayo from other species and grant it official scientific recognition.

   What is confirmed

   • The tilcayo is the first completely new wild cat species identified in 100 years.
   • A Bolivian family kept the animal as a pet after finding it alone on the road before transferring it to a wildlife sanctuary.
   • The cat weighs about three to four pounds and features light brown fur with large, irregularly shaped rosettes.
   • The species was discovered in Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests.

   What to watch next

   • Further field studies to determine the population size and exact geographic range of the tilcayo in the Yungas cloud forests.
   • Potential updates from the International Union for Conservation of Nature regarding the conservation status of the newly recognized species.
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. www.thedailystar.net — New species of wild cat discovered | The Daily Star
   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. www.postcourier.com.pg — Drum – Tidbit
   7. jen.jiji.com — Cigarettes, new price increase for roll-your-own tobacco and sticks from today
   8. rob-tom-dolly-franklin.blogspot.com — The Buzzletter Blog: Discovery! Tilcayo, the First Brand-New ...
   9. www.youtube.com — The Secret Cat Species Discovered After 100 Years
   10. www.sciencedaily.com — Gigantic prehistoric snake discovered in India may have been one of the largest ever
   11. www.nationalgeographic.com — What Happens When Your New Cat Species Goes Mega-Viral?
   12. a-z-animals.com — A Family Fed A ‘Stray Kitten’ Noodles And Rice For A Year. It ...
   confidence 100%
7. 23d ago

   New wild cat species discovered in Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests

   The Leopardus tilcayo, a small spotted wild cat, was discovered in Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests and formally described as a new species on September 17, 2026. The cat weighs about three pounds and measures roughly 18 inches from head to the base of the tail. A specimen was identified after a Bolivian family kept the cat as a pet before transferring it to a wildlife sanctuary.

   Why it matters

   This discovery marks the first new feline species identified in over a century, sparking debates over conservation efforts. The Yungas region is a unique and threatened ecosystem, and the discovery of this new species highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity in this area.

   What is confirmed

   • The Leopardus tilcayo is the first new feline species discovered since the pampas cat in 1923.
   • The cat weighs about three pounds and measures roughly 18 inches from head to the base of the tail.
   • A specimen was identified after a Bolivian family kept the cat as a pet before transferring it to a wildlife sanctuary.
   • The discovery was detailed in a Current Biology paper published on September 17, 2026.
   • The Leopardus tilcayo split from other tiger cats 1.43 million years ago.

   What to watch next

   • Further research on the conservation status of the Leopardus tilcayo
   • Efforts to protect the Yungas cloud forests ecosystem
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. www.cbsnews.com — CBS News | Breaking news, top stories & today's latest headlines
   2. nypost.com — New York Post – Breaking News, Top Headlines, Photos & Videos
   3. news.google.com — Google News
   4. www.nicholsonstudentmedia.com — New wild cat species discovered in Bolivia |
   5. www.ecoticias.com — A tiny spotted cat that a Bolivian man fed noodles, rice and ...
   6. uwpexponent.com — New Cat Species Discovered – Exponent
   7. scotscoop.com — Discovery of new feline species sparks debates over ...
   8. globalpost.com — Mistaken Identity - GlobalPost
   9. jen.jiji.com — Standard Time 2026, it changes: the date, how long it lasts and the effects on the body
   confidence 90%
8. 29d ago

   Leopardus tilcayo identified as first new cat species in over a century

   Researchers have formally described the tilcayo (Leopardus tilcayo), a small spotted wild cat from Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests, as the first new feline species discovered 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. A specimen was identified after a Bolivian family kept the cat as a pet before transferring it to a wildlife sanctuary. The discovery was detailed in a Current Biology paper published on 17 September 2026.

   Why it matters

   The discovery establishes a new branch in the feline family tree through genetic testing of tiger cats in Bolivia. This find suggests that existing classifications of South American tiger cats may be inaccurate. Some experts believe further genetic analysis could split these cats into six or seven distinct species.

   What is confirmed

   • The Leopardus tilcayo is the first new cat species described in over 100 years.
   • The tilcayo is a type of tiger cat found in Bolivia's Yungas forest ecoregion on the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains.
   • The species was formally named after the pampas cat, which was discovered in 1923.
   • A research paper on the species appeared in Current Biology on 17 September 2026.
   • The animal measures roughly 18 inches from head to the base of the tail and weighs about three pounds.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Genetics could potentially split South America's tiger cats into six or seven different species.

   What to watch next

   • Further genetic studies to determine if other tiger cat populations are distinct species.
   • Field research to establish the current wild population size of the tilcayo.
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. nypost.com — US News - Latest Breaking Headlines, Photos & Videos | New York Post
   2. www.nytimes.com — The New York Times - Breaking News, US News, World News and Videos
   3. www.cnn.com — Breaking News, Latest News and Videos | CNN
   4. greensboro.com — Singing lemurs may use a soprano-like trick to project songs
   5. news.northeastern.edu — How Did Scientists Find the First New Cat Species in 100 Years?
   6. www.nbcnews.com — NBC News - Breaking Headlines and Video Reports on World, U.S....
   7. www.foxnews.com — Fox News - Breaking News Updates | Latest News Headlines | Photos...
   8. www.bbc.co.uk — Home - BBC News
   9. jen.jiji.com — Giroud towards retirement: "It will be my last season"
   10. Phys.org — This cat is new to science. What does it take to identify a species?
   11. jen.jiji.com — SuperEnalotto, today's draw September 29, 2026: winning numbers
   12. jen.jiji.com — Almaviva launches Ultra, the group's new strategic AI framework
   confidence 95%
9. 39d ago

   Scientists identify tilcayo as first new living cat species in 100 years

   Researchers have identified the tilcayo (Leopardus tilcayo), a small spotted cat from Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests, as the first new living feline species described in over a century. Genetic testing performed on two tiger cats from Bolivia confirmed the discovery, establishing a new branch in the feline family tree. The animal lived for years at a wildlife sanctuary after a local family rescued it. Scientists are now studying the species to understand its place in the wild.

   Why it matters

   The discovery ends a century-long gap in the naming of living cat species. It highlights the biological diversity remaining in the Bolivian forest region near La Paz.

   What is confirmed

   • The tilcayo (Leopardus tilcayo) is a small spotted cat from Bolivia.
   • This is the first new living cat species described in more than 100 years.
   • Genetic testing of two cats from Bolivia revealed the new species.

   What to watch next

   • Identification of additional new cat species
   • Further genetic analysis of the tilcayo population
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. news.mongabay.com — A new cat species was just discovered. Several more may follow
   2. www.sciencenews.org — Meet the newest living cat species, the first described in 100 years
   confidence 100%
10. 45d ago

    New wild cat species identified in Bolivia for first time in over 100 years

    Researchers have identified a new species of wild cat in Bolivia, marking the first time a new feline species has been named in more than a century. The small, spotted cat was discovered at a wildlife sanctuary in Bolivia, where it had lived for years after being rescued by a local family. Scientists are continuing to research the animal, which was found in the Bolivian forest region near La Paz.

    Why it matters

    The discovery ends a century-long gap in the identification of new feline species. This finding highlights how unknown wildlife can exist in plain sight within established sanctuaries.

    What is confirmed

    • A new species of wild cat has been identified in Bolivia.
    • This is the first new cat species identified in more than 100 years.
    • The feline is a small, spotted wildcat found in a Bolivian forest.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The cat was living at a wildlife sanctuary after being taken in by a local family.
    • The feline was found in La Paz.

    What to watch next

    • Publication of the formal scientific name and classification of the species
    • Results of ongoing research into the cat's wild population and habitat
    Sources used for this update (14)

    1. www.taipeitimes.com — World News
    2. NBC News — New wild cat species is identified for first time in 100 years, researchers say
    3. National Geographic — Meet the First New Cat Species Discovered in 100 Years
    4. washingtonpost.com — New cat species discovered in Bolivia for first time in over 100 years
    5. BBC — Spotted wildcat from Bolivian forest revealed as new species
    6. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — First new feline species in 100 years discovered in Bolivian forest
    7. CBS News — New species of wild cat discovered for first time in more than a century, researcher says
    8. CBC — New cat species identified for the 1st time in a century
    9. Al Jazeera — New Bolivian cat claws its way into species list: What we meow
    10. Sky News — New species of wild cat identified in Bolivia - first for more than 100 years
    11. Yahoo — Bolivia identifies first new cat species in more than a century
    12. www.yahoo.com — The First New Cat Species Discovered In 100 Years Looks Like A Beanie Baby Come To Life
    confidence 95%