Scientists discover first new wild cat in more than 100 years

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1. 2h ago

   New Wild Cat Species Identified in Bolivia

   Scientists have identified a new species of wild cat in Bolivia, the first such discovery in over a century. The small, spotted feline, named Leopardus tilcayo, lived unrecognized for years at a wildlife rescue center where it was mistaken for a house cat. DNA and gene analysis eventually confirmed the animal as a distinct species. The cat is described as a tiger cat that had been hiding in plain sight, with its natural habitat located in the misty Yungas forest of Bolivia.

   Why it matters

   The discovery marks the first time in more than 100 years that a new species of cat has been named. This finding highlights how biodiversity can exist undetected even within managed sanctuaries. It provides new data on the felid population in South American forests.

   What is confirmed

   • A new wild cat species has been discovered in Bolivia.
   • This is the first new cat species identified in more than 100 years.
   • The animal is a small, spotted feline that lived in a rescue center for years.
   • The species is found in Bolivia's Yungas forest.
   • DNA analysis was used to identify the species.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The species is named Leopardus tilcayo.
   • The animal is housecat-sized.

   What to watch next

   • Further population surveys in the Yungas forest
   • Publication of the full genetic study
   • Conservation status assessment for the species
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. National Geographic — Meet the First New Cat Species Discovered in 100 Years
   2. Al Jazeera — New tiger cat species identified in Bolivia, first in over a century
   3. The New York Times — New Species of Cat Discovered for First Time in a Century
   4. FOX Weather — New wild cat species discovered after hiding in plain sight for more than a century
   5. PBS — Meet Earth’s newest wild cat species, living in Bolivia and the first named in over a century
   6. EarthSky — Scientists discover a new tiger cat hiding in plain sight
   7. National Geographic Society — Photos Show New Species of Wild Cat Discovered in Bolivia — The First in 100 Years
   8. France 24 — Scientists discover first new wild cat in more than 100 years
   9. Nautilus | Science Connected — This Stray Cat Turned Out to Be the First New Cat Species Discovered in Over a Century
   10. finance.biggo.com — New Wild Cat Species Discovered in Bolivia's Yungas Forest, First in 100 Years
   11. www.mid-day.com — Meet Earth's newest wild cat species, the first named in over a century, in Bolivia
   12. www.zmescience.com — This Tiny Wildcat Was Mistaken for a House Cat and Turned Out to Be the First New Cat Species in More Than 100 Years
   confidence 95%