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

Live updates

1. 2d ago

   New Wild Cat Species Identified in Bolivia

   Scientists have formally identified a new wild cat species in Bolivia named the Leopardus tilcayo, or the tilcayo tiger cat. Uncovered after years of genomic analysis and taxonomic research, this tiny and slender creature features spots all over its body. It is housed at the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary after starting out as an orphan kitten found by a local man in the Yungas cloud forests. Researchers state the discovery marks the first new living feline species recognized by science in more than a century, and they expect the finding to aid future conservation efforts.

   Why it matters

   The newly recognized species stems from genomic and museomic analysis led by researchers including Jonas Lescroart and Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz. DNA sequencing separated the animal from other tiger cat classifications, revealing an evolutionary lineage that split 1.4 million years ago. Local populations in the Yungas forests have known the animal for generations, though it was mistaken for an ordinary tiger cat by science for years before genetic sleuthing confirmed its distinct status.

   What is confirmed

   • Scientists formally introduced a small spotted wild cat from Bolivia named the Leopardus tilcayo, or tilcayo tiger cat.
   • Genomic analysis separated the animal from previous tiger cat classifications and placed it on a branch split 1.4 million years ago.
   • The discovery marks the first new living feline species recognized by science in over a century.
   • A local man found an orphan kitten in the Yungas forest region of Bolivia in 2017 and adopted it before it was moved to the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary.
   • The research paper identifying the species was led by Jonas Lescroart, Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz and colleagues.

   Still unconfirmed

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

   What to watch next

   • Further field surveys in the Yungas cloud forests to determine the wild population size and distribution of Leopardus tilcayo.
   • Additional conservation measures and habitat protections implemented by wildlife authorities for the newly recognized species.
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. news.google.com — Google News
   2. www.wionews.com — A first in 100 years: New cat species discovered in Bolivia ...
   3. www.guinnessworldrecords.com — Mystery kitten grows up and reveals itself to be a whole new ...
   4. www.dogonews.com — Scientists Identify First New Wild Cat Species In Over 100 ...
   5. www.wfmz.com — Scientists identify first new wild cat species in more than ...
   6. www.youngpostclub.com — Scientists discover first new wildcat in 100 years
   7. petmoments.net — A rescued pet cat became the first new cat species in a century
   8. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — New Wild Cat Species Discovered in Bolivia: Meet Leopardus ...
   9. kids.guinnessworldrecords.com — “Weird” kitten found in the Bolivian jungle is a whole new ...
   10. article.wn.com — In Bolivia_ a cat mistaken for an ordinary tiger cat for ...
   11. www.earth.com — Animal life exploded in a burst of evolution, and scientists may have discovered why
   confidence 100%
2. 13d ago

   New Wild Cat Species Identified in Bolivia

   Scientists formally introduced a small spotted wild cat from Bolivia named the Leopardus tilcayo, or tilcayo. Disclosed in September 2026, genomic analysis separated the animal from previous tiger cat classifications. This marks the first new living feline species recognized by science since the Pampas cat in 1923. The creature weighs 1.5 to 2 kilograms, features a light brown coat with uneven rosettes, and measures 42.5 to 50 cm long with a 25 to 26.5 cm tail. Locals in the Yungas cloud forests have known the animal for ages.

   Why it matters

   The identification of the Leopardus tilcayo expands the known diversity of tiger cats following genetic tests led by the Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul. One specimen previously arrived at the Senda Verde wildlife sanctuary in 2017 after a local family fed it noodles and rice while mistaking it for a housecat. Modern DNA science confirmed its distinct status from other tiger cats.

   What is confirmed

   • Scientists officially introduced a new wild cat species named the Leopardus tilcayo, or tilcayo, in September 2026.
   • The discovery takes place in Bolivia's Yungas forests, where locals have known the animal for ages.
   • This is the first living cat species described in a full century since 1923.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The tilcayo weighs just 1.5 to 2 kilograms, stretches 42.5 to 50 cm long with a 25 to 26.5 cm tail, and features a light brown coat sprinkled with uneven rosettes.

   What to watch next

   • Further genomic studies and population assessments of the Leopardus tilcayo in the Yungas cloud forests.
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. phsthequill.edublogs.org — New Discoveries: The Newly Discovered Cat Species
   2. www.heraldinsight.co.kr — The first new cat species discovered in more than 100 years
   3. www.youtube.com — BRAND NEW WILD CAT SPECIES! ~Tilcayo Tiger Cat [see ...
   confidence 100%
3. 16d ago

   Genomic analysis identifies new wild cat species in Bolivia

   Scientists have formally described the Leopardus tilcayo, a small spotted wild cat from the Yungas cloud forests of Bolivia. This discovery marks the first new living feline species recognized by science since 1923. Genomic analysis led by the Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul identified five tiger cats where researchers previously assumed only one existed. One specimen was brought to the Senda Verde wildlife sanctuary in 2017 after a Bolivian family spent a year feeding the animal noodles and rice, believing it was a lost housecat.

   Why it matters

   The identification of the tilcayo, also called the tiger cat or Tigrino, corrects the scientific record on wild cats. This finding occurred on the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains. Researchers published their findings in the journal Current Biology.

   What is confirmed

   • The Leopardus tilcayo is a newly described wild cat from Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests.
   • This is the first new living feline species recognized by science since 1923.
   • A Bolivian family fed a specimen noodles and rice for a year before it was identified as a new species.
   • Genomic analysis identified five tiger cats where one was previously assumed.

   What to watch next

   • Further genomic studies to determine the total population size of the species
   • Conservation status assessments for the Yungas cloud forest habitat
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.nationalgeographic.com — What Happens When Your New Cat Species Goes Mega-Viral?
   2. a-z-animals.com — A Family Fed A ‘Stray Kitten’ Noodles And Rice For A Year. It ...
   3. animalso.com — Leopardus tilcayo: New Wild Cat Species Reported in Bolivia
   4. jen.jiji.com — Beppe 'Sugar' Angiolini, a benchmark for avant-garde fashion and Made in Italy, has died
   5. sqpn.com — Meet the Tilcayo - sqpn.com
   confidence 100%
4. 22d ago

   New Wild Cat Species Identified in Bolivia

   Scientists have formally described the Leopardus tilcayo, a small, spotted wild cat discovered in the Yungas cloud forests on the eastern slope of Bolivia's Andes Mountains. Researchers announced the finding in the journal Current Biology, marking the first time a new living feline species has been recognized by science since 1923. An international team led by the Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil identified the tiger cat, also known as Tigrino. One individual of the species was previously brought to the Senda Verde wildlife sanctuary in 2017.

   Why it matters

   The identification of the Leopardus tilcayo expands the known diversity of wild cat species in South America. The discovery originates from the Andean forests of Bolivia, bringing fresh attention to the biodiversity of the Yungas region. This is the first new extant species in the cat family confirmed in over a century.

   What is confirmed

   • An international research team led by the Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul announced the discovery in the journal Current Biology.
   • The Leopardus tilcayo is a small wild cat with leopard-like spots found in Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests.
   • This is the first new extant species in the cat family confirmed for the first time in over 100 years.

   What to watch next

   • Further field studies to determine the population size and exact geographic range of the Leopardus tilcayo
   • Additional taxonomic research and genetic analysis published by the international research team
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.nicholsonstudentmedia.com — New wild cat species discovered in Bolivia |
   2. article.wn.com — New Cat Species Discovered in Bolivia's Andes After 100 Years
   3. jen.jiji.com — Speleologist trapped in a cave in the Nuoro area, rescue operations continue
   4. www.goodnet.org — Biologists Discover Tiny Wild Cat Species - GOODNET
   confidence 100%
5. 24d ago

   First new wild cat species in 100 years identified

   The Leopardus tilcayo, a small wild cat from Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests, has been formally described by scientists. Found on the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains, it is a type of tiger cat. This is the first new living feline species recognized by science since 1923. The cat, also known as Tigrino, was brought to the Senda Verde wildlife sanctuary in 2017.

   Why it matters

   The discovery of the Leopardus tilcayo highlights the ongoing exploration of biodiversity in the Andes Mountains. Cloud forests like those in Bolivia's Yungas region are crucial habitats for unique species. The identification of this new species underscores the importance of conservation efforts in these ecosystems. The tilcayo's classification was published in Current Biology on September 17.

   What is confirmed

   • The Leopardus tilcayo is the first new living feline species recognized by science since 1923.
   • The Leopardus tilcayo split from other tiger cats 1.43 million years ago.
   • The male feline that mainly led to this discovery was named Tigrino.
   • Tigrino was brought to the Senda Verde wildlife sanctuary in 2017.

   What to watch next

   • Further research on the Leopardus tilcayo's habitat and population size
   • Conservation efforts for the Yungas cloud forests
   • Additional studies on the evolutionary history of the tilcayo
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.ecoticias.com — A tiny spotted cat that a Bolivian man fed noodles, rice and ...
   2. uwpexponent.com — New Cat Species Discovered – Exponent
   3. scotscoop.com — Discovery of new feline species sparks debates over ...
   4. room232.substack.com — Mistaken for a stray: A small feline turns out to be the ...
   confidence 100%
6. 26d ago

   New wild cat species identified in Bolivia

   The tilcayo, a small wild cat from Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests, has been formally described by scientists. This is the first new living feline species recognized by science since 1923. The tilcayo is a type of tiger cat found on the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains.

   Why it matters

   The discovery of the tilcayo marks a significant milestone in the field of biology, as it is the first new wild cat species identified in nearly a century. The tilcayo's existence was previously known, but it had not been formally described until now. This finding suggests that there may be other undiscovered wild cat species.

   What is confirmed

   • The tilcayo is a type of tiger cat found on the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains.
   • This is the first new living feline species recognized by science since the Uruguayan pampas cat was identified in 1923.

   What to watch next

   • Further genetic research on other wild cat species
   • More discoveries of new wild cat species in the Andes Mountains
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. www.sandiegouniontribune.com — San Diego Union-Tribune
   2. www.indulgexpress.com — Tilcayo and 7 rare wild cats you’ve likely never heard of
   3. www.dailypress.com — Virginia Gazette
   confidence 100%
7. 28d ago

   Bolivian tilcayo identified as first new cat species in over 100 years

   Scientists formally described Leopardus tilcayo, a small wild cat from Bolivia's Yungas cloud forests, in a September 17, 2026, issue of Current Biology. This is the first new living feline species recognized by science since the Uruguayan pampas cat was identified in 1923. The tilcayo is a type of tiger cat found on the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains. While researchers previously knew of a tiger cat in the region, it had not been formally described until now. Genetic research suggests other wild cat species may soon be recognized.

   Why it matters

   The discovery comes during a broad reassessment of wild cat taxonomy. Genetic data may soon split South American tiger cats into six or seven distinct species. This shift helps scientists better understand biodiversity in the Andes ecoregion.

   What is confirmed

   • The Leopardus tilcayo was formally described in Current Biology on September 17, 2026.
   • The tilcayo is the first new living cat species discovered in over 100 years.
   • The last new cat species identified before the tilcayo was the Uruguayan pampas cat in 1923.
   • The species inhabits the Yungas cloud forests on the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains in Bolivia.
   • The tilcayo is a type of tiger cat.

   What to watch next

   • Genetic research results that may split tiger cats into six or seven species
   • Further formal descriptions of suspected new wild cat species
   Sources used for this update (18)

   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. news.mongabay.com — A new cat species was just discovered. Several more may follow
   4. www.yahoo.com — First new penguin species in more than 100 years identified. And it could be in danger
   5. mongabay1.substack.com — A new cat species was just discovered. Several more may follow
   6. www.foxnews.com — Fox News - Breaking News Updates | Latest News Headlines | Photos...
   7. www.bbc.co.uk — Home - BBC News
   8. www.bbc.com — BBC News - Breaking news, video and the latest top stories from...
   9. Phys.org — This cat is new to science. What does it take to identify a species?
   10. thelutrinae.com — Tinier than a house cat but wild at heart: A new cat species ...
   11. www.natureworldnews.com — The Tilcayo May Not Be the Last New Wild Cat as Genetics ...
   12. thestute.com — The tilcayo: the first new cat species discovered in 100 years
   confidence 100%
8. 44d ago

   Scientists identify first new wild cat species in over a century in Bolivia

   Researchers have named Leopardus tilcayo, the first new feline species identified in more than 100 years. Found in Bolivia, the small spotted cat was discovered living in plain sight at a wildlife sanctuary. The species inhabits the Yungas forest and cloud forests, where its striped and spotted coat previously caused confusion with other regional cats. Findings published in Current Biology describe an animal similar in size to a domestic cat, known locally as the tilcayo. Scientists continue to study the animal in La Paz.

   Why it matters

   Naming a new feline species is rare due to the extensive historical documentation of cats. This discovery highlights how unknown biodiversity can persist even within managed wildlife environments.

   What is confirmed

   • The Leopardus tilcayo is the first new cat species identified in more than a century.
   • The species was discovered in Bolivia.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The cat was found in La Paz.
   • The cat was identified at a wildlife sanctuary.
   • The cat inhabits the Yungas forest.

   What to watch next

   • Publication of further behavioral or genetic research from the La Paz study.
   • Conservation status assessment for the Leopardus tilcayo population.
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. www.yahoo.com — The First New Cat Species Discovered In 100 Years Looks Like A Beanie Baby Come To Life
   2. qazinform.com — New wild cat species discovered in Bolivia after more than 100 years
   3. Phys.org — Meet Earth's newest wild cat species, the first named in over a century
   confidence 90%
9. 45d 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%