From ABC7 San Francisco · · 1m 10s
Scientists discover first new cat species in 100+ years
A tiny spotted cat found in Bolivia's rainforest is the first feline species identified in over a century.
In brief
A tiny spotted cat found in Bolivia's rainforest is the first feline species identified in over a century. A new cat species discovered in Bolivia through genetic testing could help scientists find more unknown felines worldwide. Originally reported by ABC7 San Francisco.
Tiny spotted cat found in Bolivia
A small cat smaller than a housecat with leopard-like spots has been discovered in Bolivia's Yungas forest ecoregion. The proposed name is Leopardus tilcayo.
“Smaller than an average housecat and covered in leopard-like spots”
First new feline in over 100 years
This discovery marks the first new cat species identified in more than 100 years, making it a significant find for feline taxonomy.
Kitten brought to wildlife sanctuary
Scientists first noticed the animal when it was brought to a wildlife sanctuary as a kitten, sparking their investigation.
Genetic testing confirms new species
Genetic testing revealed the cat didn't match any known feline species, confirming it was entirely new to science.
Redrawing the cat family tree
The discovery is reshaping scientific understanding of feline evolution and relationships between cat species.
New methods could find more cats
Researchers hope the genetic techniques used to identify this species could help discover additional unknown cat species worldwide.
The essence
A new cat species discovered in Bolivia through genetic testing could help scientists find more unknown felines worldwide.
