Tiny wild cat newly identified as a species draws curious visitors in Bolivia

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1. 2h ago

   Scientists Identify Tilcayo as First New Cat Species in Over a Century

   Researchers have identified the Tilcayo, a tiny wild cat, marking the first time a new cat species has been named in more than 100 years. The discovery has drawn curious visitors to Bolivia. The species gained attention after a man rescued a spotted animal weighing 3 pounds, believing it was a stray kitten before realizing it was a wild species. This identification represents a rare addition to the known feline taxonomy after a century of no new species designations.

   Why it matters

   Taxonomic discoveries of new mammal species are increasingly rare in the modern era. This find provides new data on wild feline biodiversity in South America. It highlights how undocumented species can persist in the wild undetected by science.

   What is confirmed

   • The Tilcayo is the first new cat species identified in over a century.
   • The new species has drawn visitors to Bolivia.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A man rescued a spotted kitten weighing 3 pounds that turned out to be this new species.
   • The Tilcayo is described as adorable and tiny.

   What to watch next

   • Publication of peer-reviewed genetic data confirming the species classification.
   • Official population estimates and conservation status designations for the Tilcayo.
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. National Geographic — Meet the First New Cat Species Discovered in 100 Years
   2. Live Science — Scientists name a new cat species for the first time in over a century
   3. Scientific American — See the first new species of cat discovered in more than a century—it’s adorable
   4. The New York Times — New Species of Cat Discovered for First Time in a Century
   5. AP News — Meet Earth’s newest wild cat species, the first named in over a century
   6. The Independent — A man thought he’d found a stray kitten. It turned out to be a new species of wild cat
   7. Smithsonian Magazine — Meet the Adorable and Tiny Tilcayo, the First Brand-New Cat Species Identified in More Than a Century
   8. AP News — Tiny wild cat newly identified as a species draws curious visitors in Bolivia
   9. Yahoo — Man Took in an Adorable Spotted 'Kitten' That Weighed Just 3 Pounds; He Quickly Realized Something About His Tiny Rescue Wasn't Right
   confidence 90%