Stunned scientists discover new wild cat species after a century—see the photos
Researchers identified a brand-new wild cat species named the Tilcayo in Bolivia, marking the first time a new cat species has been described in more than a century. The tiny and adorable feline has stunned scientists, who published photos of the rare animal alongside reports of the discovery. Experts suggest that several more wild cat species may follow this finding as research in the region continues. The discovery highlights the ongoing biodiversity discoveries hidden within South American ecosystems.
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- ✓ A new wild cat species named the Tilcayo has been discovered in Bolivia.
- ✓ This is the first brand-new cat species identified in more than a century.
What changed
Scientists formally identified and photographed the Tilcayo, the first new wild cat species described in more than a century.
Live updates
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Scientists Discover New Wild Cat Species in Bolivia
Researchers identified a brand-new wild cat species named the Tilcayo in Bolivia, marking the first time a new cat species has been described in more than a century. The tiny and adorable feline has stunned scientists, who published photos of the rare animal alongside reports of the discovery. Experts suggest that several more wild cat species may follow this finding as research in the region continues. The discovery highlights the ongoing biodiversity discoveries hidden within South American ecosystems.
Why it matters
Finding a new felid species is an exceptionally rare event in modern biology, as most large and medium-sized mammals have already been cataloged. This discovery in Bolivia adds a completely new branch to the feline family tree after a drought of over one hundred years without a new cat description. It draws fresh scientific attention to the rich wildlife and habitats of Latin America.
What is confirmed
- A new wild cat species named the Tilcayo has been discovered in Bolivia.
- This is the first brand-new cat species identified in more than a century.
Still unconfirmed
- Several more cat species may follow this recent discovery.
What to watch next
- Further taxonomic studies and published papers detailing the Tilcayo
- Additional wildlife expeditions in Bolivia and Latin America searching for related species
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- Smithsonian Magazine — Meet the Adorable and Tiny Tilcayo, the First Brand-New Cat Species Identified in More Than a Century
- Futura, le média qui explore le monde — Stunned scientists discover new wild cat species after a century—see the photos
- DVM360 — New species discovered in Bolivia is first cat described in more than 100 years
- AP News — Bolivia's new wild cat, arts protests and other top photos from Latin America and the Caribbean
- news - Mongabay — A new cat species was just discovered. Several more may follow
- Austin American-Statesman — Five wildcats have roamed Texas in living memory. Here's where they are now.
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