Scientists discover new wild cat species after 100 years

A new species of wild cat, known as the Tilcayo tiger cat, has been discovered after a gap of over a century, according to a Bolivian researcher. The cat, characterized by its spotted, leopard-like coat, was first identified in the mountainous Yungas region near Bolivia's capital, La Paz. Locals initially mistook the cat for an ordinary house cat due to its small size and secretive nature. The nickname "tilcayo," given by locals, led to its scientific designation, *Leopardus tilcayo*.

Biologist and National Geographic explorer Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, who was part of the research team, described the discovery as "remarkable" as no new wild cat species had been documented in 100 years. The tilcayo is smaller than a domestic cat, measuring around 45 centimeters, with rounded ears. Only two such creatures have been found so far. One of the tilcayos is currently living at an animal shelter in Yungas, while the other was released into the wild after being rescued from local attacks.

Genetic testing conducted on the two tilcayos revealed that their whole genomes were sequenced. The cat's vulnerability to extinction, coupled with its small population, could see it classified as more at risk in the near future. The research on the species, which began in 2021, was recently published in the journal *Current Biology*.