Scientists discover a new tiger cat hiding in plain sight

In a recent discovery, scientists have identified a new species of tiger cat, formally named Leopardus tilcayo. This tiny feline, measuring around 18 inches (46 centimeters) from head to tail and weighing approximately 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms), was only recently recognized as a distinct species after decades of confusion among researchers.

The new cat inhabits Bolivia's Yungas region, a challenging mountainous area on the Andes' eastern slopes where forests transition to the Amazon. Local people have known about these cats, called tilcayos, for generations, but scientists had struggled to differentiate them from other tiger cats.

The breakthrough came when biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz noticed something peculiar about a little spotted cat in the Yungas region. The cat's wild behavior led her to question its identity, ultimately contributing to the study that confirmed it as a new species. This recognition marks the first new living cat species formally acknowledged in over a century, published in the journal Current Biology on September 17, 2026.

The researchers' findings revealed that the L. tilcayo lineage diverged from other tiger cats approximately 1.4 million years ago, indicating that it has been following its own evolutionary path for an extended period. The species shares similarities with other tiger cats, making it difficult to distinguish them based solely on appearance.

The discovery was made possible by analyzing the genomes of 38 tiger cats from various regions in South and Central America. By comparing their genetic material, scientists could identify five distinct species, including the newly recognized Leopardus tilcayo. The study also identified a new subspecies in Peru called Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo.