Bolivia: A tiny wild tiger cat found in Bolivia’s cloud-covered Yungas forests has been formally identified as a previously unknown species, marking the first discovery of a new living feline species in more than 100 years.
Named Leopardus tilcayo, the cat is locally known as ’tilcayo’ and belongs to the tiger cat group found across much of South America. Researchers said the species was identified after its physical characteristics and genetic profile did not match existing descriptions of tiger cats.
Measuring around 46cm in length and weighing approximately 1.4kg, the animal is smaller than an average domestic cat. It has light-brown fur marked by irregular rosettes across its body. The discovery was made in the Yungas, a mountainous region characterised by lush forests, high humidity and frequent cloud cover.
Researchers said little is currently known about the species’ behaviour and lifestyle, although scat samples containing remains of small rodents suggest they may form part of its diet. Camera-trap observations also indicate that the cat may be primarily nocturnal.
The study, published in Current Biology, involved DNA analysis of 38 tiger cats collected from several South American countries, including eight museum specimens. The findings revealed that tiger cats comprise five genetically distinct species.
According to evolutionary biologist and study co-lead author Jonas Lescroart of the University of Antwerp, tiger cats are considered ‘cryptic species’ because they can be difficult to distinguish based on appearance alone.
Researcher Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz said the Bolivian cat attracted attention because its characteristics differed from descriptions largely based on Brazilian specimens, prompting scientists to investigate which tiger cat species actually inhabits Bolivia.
Genetic evidence indicates that the Leopardus tilcayo lineage diverged from other tiger cats around 1.4 million years ago. The researchers also identified a new tiger cat subspecies in Peru’s Yungas, naming it Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo. The name refers to Antisuyu, a region of the former Inca Empire that included the area where the subspecies is found.
The discovery highlights the biodiversity of South America’s cloud forests and the importance of genetic research in identifying species that may remain hidden in plain sight.
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