Newly Identified Tiny Wild Cat Does Not Like His Celebrity

Live updates

1. 55m ago

   New Wild Cat Species Identified in Bolivian Forest

   Researchers have identified the first new species of wild cat in over 100 years. Discovered in a Bolivian forest, the tiny feline is described as a tiger cat. The discovery began when a man rescued a spotted animal he believed was a stray kitten weighing 3 pounds. The cat has since gained internet fame through memes and has attracted curious visitors to Bolivia, though reports indicate the animal does not enjoy its celebrity status.

   Why it matters

   The identification of a new feline species is a rare scientific event, marking the first such occurrence in a century. This discovery highlights the remaining biodiversity within South American forests.

   What is confirmed

   • A new wild cat species has been identified for the first time in 100 years.
   • The new feline species was discovered in a Bolivian forest.
   • The animal is described as a tiny tiger cat.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The cat is called the Tilcayo.
   • The cat is called the Tigrino.
   • The animal weighed 3 pounds when rescued.
   • The cat does not like its celebrity status.

   What to watch next

   • Formal peer-reviewed publication of the species name and classification
   • Conservation status assessment for the new species
   • Further population surveys in the Bolivian forest
   Sources used for this update (19)

   1. NBC News — New wild cat species is identified for first time in 100 years, researchers say
   2. National Geographic — Meet the First New Cat Species Discovered in 100 Years
   3. Scientific American — See the first new species of cat discovered in more than a century—it’s adorable
   4. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — First new feline species in 100 years discovered in Bolivian forest
   5. Al Jazeera — New tiger cat species identified in Bolivia, first in over a century
   6. The New York Times — New Species of Cat Discovered for First Time in a Century
   7. AP News — Meet Earth’s newest wild cat species, the first named in over a century
   8. Sci.News — New Species of Tiger Cat Identified in Bolivia
   9. EarthSky — Scientists discover a new tiger cat hiding in plain sight
   10. The Independent — A man thought he’d found a stray kitten. It turned out to be a new species of wild cat
   11. Newser — Newly Identified Tiny Wild Cat Does Not Like His Celebrity
   12. Yahoo — What's With All The 'New Cat' Memes? Why The Internet Can't Stop Posting About The Newly Discovered 'Tilcayo Cat'
   confidence 90%