New cat species ‘Tilcayo’ identified in Bolivia, first in over a century

A new species of cat, named Tilcayo by local communities, has been discovered in Bolivia's cloud forest, marking the first new living cat species identified in over a century. This diminutive wild cat, measuring about 18 inches (46 cm) long and weighing around 3 pounds (1.4 kg), is part of the tiger cat group found in South America.

Researchers found it in Bolivia's lush Yungas forest, characterized by high humidity and cloud cover. Its fur is light brown with irregularly shaped rosettes, and its diet likely consists of small rodents based on scat samples. The cat's existence was suspected due to its unique characteristics not matching descriptions of Brazilian tiger cats.

Genetic studies revealed that the Tilcayo lineage separated from other tiger cats about 1.4 million years ago, confirming it as a distinct species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature is reviewing the five tiger cat lineages, potentially leading to a more accurate assessment of their conservation status. The Yungas forest, a threatened ecosystem, faces pressures from deforestation, agricultural expansion, fires, and mining, emphasizing the urgency of conservation efforts.