New cat species identified in Bolivia for first time in more than a century
New species of wild cat was discovered in Bolivia’s Yungas forest and is smaller than the average domestic cat A diminutive wild cat that inhabits Bolivia’s cloud forest has been identified as a previously unknown species, marking the first time a new living cat species has been formally named and described in more than a century. The cat, called Tilcayo by local communities, is part of a group…
A new species of wild cat has been discovered in Bolivia's Yungas forest for the first time in over a century. The diminutive feline, called Tilcayo by locals, is smaller than the average domestic cat, measuring 18 inches in length and weighing 3 pounds. Researchers confirm its status as a new species through genetic data and have named it Leopardus tilcayo, keeping its local name.
Its fur is light brown with irregular rosettes, and its diet likely consists of small rodents, though this remains unknown. The cat is a member of the tiger cat group found across South America. Researchers found that tiger cats are five genetically distinct species after analyzing DNA from 38 cats across South America. The Tilcayo lineage separated from other tiger cats about 1.4 million years ago.
Conservationists are concerned that the Yungas forest, home to the newly discovered cat, is under significant threat from deforestation, agricultural expansion, fires, and mining.
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- New cat species ‘Tilcayo’ identified in Bolivia, first in over a century thehindu.com
- New cat species identified in Bolivia for first time in more than a century theguardian.com
- New cat species identified in Bolivia, first in over a century scmp.com
- New cat species identified in Bolivia, first in over a century channelnewsasia.com
