From the Guardian · Reuters · · 2m
New cat species found in Bolivia for first time in 100 years
Genetic analysis reveals a tiny wildcat living in Bolivia's cloud forests is an entirely new species, the first feline discovery of its kind in over a century.
In brief
Genetic analysis reveals a tiny wildcat living in Bolivia's cloud forests is an entirely new species, the first feline discovery of its kind in over a century. A small wildcat called tilcayo in Bolivia's Yungas forest is a new species, and genetic testing shows tiger cats are actually five distinct species, not one…
Tiny wildcat discovered in Bolivia
A small feline living in Bolivia's Yungas cloud forest has been identified as a new species, the first feline discovery formally named in over 100 years. The cat, called tilcayo locally, weighs just 1.4 kilograms and measures 46 centimetres long.
Genetic testing confirms new species
Researchers used DNA analysis to prove the tilcayo is genetically distinct from other tiger cats. The scientific name Leopardus tilcayo was assigned, keeping the local name while formally recognizing it as a separate species.
Tiger cats are actually five species
Analysis of DNA from 38 tiger cats across South America revealed they are five genetically distinct species, not one as previously thought. The tilcayo lineage separated from other tiger cats about 1.4 million years ago.
Little known about tilcayo behavior
Researchers have limited data from just two live individuals and camera-trap records. Evidence suggests the tilcayo eats small rodents and may be more active at night, but much remains unknown about its biology and lifestyle.
“Our information at this moment is limited to the two live individuals that we examined, and a small number of camera-trap records.”
Surprise discovery in Bolivia
The tilcayo's characteristics did not match descriptions of Brazilian tiger cats, prompting researchers to investigate what species actually lived in Bolivia. No one had previously proposed it as a separate species or subspecies.
“We never expected this Bolivian tiger cat to be a separate species, and no one had ever proposed it as a different animal, subspecies or otherwise.”
New subspecies found in Peru too
The research team also identified a new tiger cat subspecies in Peru's Yungas region, named Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo after the Inca region that once covered the area.
Conservation status needs reassessment
The International Union for Conservation of Nature currently treats tiger cats as two vulnerable species. Assessing the five lineages separately could reveal that species like the tilcayo are actually endangered, requiring stronger protection.
Yungas forest under severe threat
The Yungas is one of the region's most threatened ecosystems, facing deforestation, agricultural expansion, fires and mining. Protecting remaining forest and maintaining habitat connections are urgent priorities for the tilcayo's survival.
The takeaway
A small wildcat called tilcayo in Bolivia's Yungas forest is a new species, and genetic testing shows tiger cats are actually five distinct species, not one.
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