New wild cat species identified in Bolivia for the over 100 years goes viral

A previously unknown species of wild cat has been formally identified in Bolivia, marking the first discovery of a new living cat species in more than a century.

The small feline was found in Bolivia’s Yungas region, a misty cloud forest located between the Andes and the Amazon. Known as Tilcayo by local communities, the species has been given the scientific name Leopardus tilcayo. It measures around 46cm in length, making it smaller than the average domestic cat.

Researchers used genetic analysis to establish that Tilcayo is a distinct species within the tiger cat family. DNA from 38 cats across several South American countries showed that tiger cats previously grouped together actually comprise five genetically distinct species. Researchers estimate that Tilcayo separated from the other lineages around 1.4 million years ago.

Little is currently known about the animal’s behaviour, although researchers believe it is primarily active at night and likely feeds on small rodents. The study was based on two live examples, including one now living at a wildlife sanctuary in Bolivia, as well as photographs captured by camera traps.

The discovery also highlights concerns about the species’ habitat. The Yungas ecosystem faces threats including deforestation, agricultural expansion, human-caused fires and mining. Tiger cats are currently classified as vulnerable, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature is expected to assess the five lineages separately.

Researchers say the discovery demonstrates that new species can still be found even among well-studied groups such as cats. Eduardo Eizirik, an evolutionary biologist and senior author of the study, warned that some undiscovered species could disappear before scientists have the opportunity to identify them.