A new species of wild cat described in Bolivia. Such a discovery hasn't happened in over 100 years

The animal lives in the Yungas mountain forests – a humid region on the eastern slopes of the Andes. Local residents call it 'tilcayo'. Scientists have retained this name in its scientific designation — Leopardus tilcayo.

The cat has light brown fur with irregular dark spots, measures approximately 46 centimeters in length, and weighs about 1.4 kilograms. It is smaller than a typical domestic cat. Representatives of the new species belong to the group of so-called tiger cats, which are widespread in various regions of South America.

The discovery was made possible after a genetic study of 38 animals from several South American countries, including eight museum specimens. DNA analysis showed that tiger cats, previously considered a single species, actually comprise five genetically distinct species. The Tilcayo lineage diverged from other tiger cats approximately 1.4 million years ago.

Researchers were intrigued by the fact that the appearance of the Bolivian animal did not match descriptions based primarily on studies of cats from Brazil. One of the males known to scientists, now about ten years old, was kept by a local family for some time, mistakenly taking him for a domestic kitten. He now lives at the Senda Verde wildlife sanctuary.

Very little is currently known about the Tilcayo's way of life. Remains of small rodents in scat samples indicate that they may be part of the animal's diet. Camera trap records suggest that the cat is likely more active at night.

Researchers also described a new subspecies of tiger cat in the Peruvian part of the Yungas. It was given the name Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo — in honor of Antisuyo, a region of the former Inca Empire where this animal lives.

Scientists are submitting the research results to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which plans to separately assess the five genetic lineages of tiger cats. This could allow for a more precise determination of the threat level for each species. For example, after a separate assessment, the Tilcayo might receive the status of an endangered species.

The Yungas forests are considered one of the region's most vulnerable ecosystems. They are threatened by deforestation, agricultural expansion, human-caused fires, and mineral extraction. Scientists emphasize the need to restore fire-damaged areas, preserve remnants of natural forests, and maintain connections between individual animal habitats.

Researchers note that the discovery of a new species, even among a well-studied group of predators, shows that many animals unknown to science still exist in the world. Some of them may disappear before humans even have a chance to discover them.

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