New wild cat species is identified for first time in 100 years, researchers say

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1. 1h ago

   Scientists identify first new wild cat species in over 100 years

   Researchers have identified Leopardus tilcayo, a new species of wild cat found in the cloud forests of Bolivia. This discovery marks the first time a new feline species has been named in approximately a century. The animal, which locals call the tilcayo, is similar in size to a domestic cat. Its spotted and striped coat initially made it difficult for scientists to distinguish it from other regional wild cats. The findings were published by researchers in Current Biology.

   Why it matters

   The discovery of a new mammal species is rare in the modern era, especially within the feline family. Identifying a distinct species helps biologists understand biodiversity and conservation needs in Bolivian cloud forests.

   What is confirmed

   • Leopardus tilcayo is a new species of wild cat discovered in Bolivia.
   • This is the first new cat species identified in over 100 years.
   • The species was found in Bolivia's cloud forest.
   • The cat is roughly the size of a domestic cat.
   • The animal has a spotted and striped coat.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The species is described as a tiger cat.
   • Local residents have long referred to the animal as tilcayo.

   What to watch next

   • Further genetic analysis to determine the species' exact lineage
   • Conservation status assessment for the cloud forest habitat
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. NBC News — New wild cat species is identified for first time in 100 years, researchers say
   2. Gizmodo — Scientists Discover First New Cat Species in Over a Century—and It’s Love at First Sight
   3. Yahoo — Meet the First New Cat Species Discovered in 100 years
   4. iflscience.com — First New Cat Species In Over 100 Years Is A Totally Charming Tiny Tiger From Bolivia
   5. New Scientist — Beautiful new cat species is first to be named in a century
   6. Reuters — New cat species identified in Bolivia, first in over a century
   7. BBC Wildlife Magazine — New species of wild cat discovered in Bolivia’s cloud forest
   8. Live Science — Scientists name a new cat species for the first time in over a century
   9. The Guardian — New cat species identified in Bolivia for first time in more than a century
   10. Yahoo — Scientists Discovered A New Cat Before Rockstar Could Finish GTA 6
   11. Scientific American — See the first new species of cat discovered in more than a century—it’s adorable
   12. www.koat.com — New wild cat species identified for first time in 100 years
   confidence 100%