New wild cat species discovered in Bolivia after a century
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Scientists in Bolivia identified a new species of wild cat living at a wildlife sanctuary near La Paz.
A local family brought the spotted feline to the sanctuary years ago after finding it in the forest. Biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz examined the cat and noted its small size, prompting genetic analysis. Researchers compared the cat’s genome to those of over 30 other felines from across South America, using both living animals and museum specimens.
This analysis revealed the cat represents a species that diverged from its closest relatives approximately 1.4 million years ago, making it the first new wild cat species identified since 1923. The team named the species Leopardus tilcayo, using a name already known to communities in the Andes Mountains. The discovery also clarified the relationships within South American tiger cats, revealing at least five distinct species where scientists previously thought there was only one.
Researchers now aim to learn more about the Leopardus tilcayo, including its population size, diet, and full habitat range. Currently, the species has only been confirmed in Bolivia’s Yungas forests. Scientists hope that formally recognizing this new species will encourage conservation efforts to protect its forest home from deforestation and gold mining.
