How new is the first ‘new-to-science’ cat discovered in more than 100 years?

Scientists have unveiled a long-awaited new species of cat, the tilcayo (Leopardus tilcayo), after more than a century of scientific obscurity. First discovered in the cloud forests of Bolivia, this newfound feline marks the first living cat species to be identified since the 1900s. The name "tilcayo" pays homage to the local terminology for the animal, showcasing the importance of traditional knowledge in scientific discovery.

At just 1.4 kilograms (3 pounds) in weight, the tilcayo is notably smaller than a typical domestic cat. Its distinctive features include rounded ears, a slender build, and a coat adorned with large, prominent spots. The discovery of this petite, spotted predator has prompted researchers to reevaluate the taxonomy of small spotted cats across South America, which had previously been grouped under the broad name Leopardus tigrinus or tiger cat.

For decades, scientists had suspected that the tiger cat group might harbor multiple, distinct species. However, it wasn't until a recent genetic analysis that this hypothesis was confirmed, revealing at least four separate species. The tilcayo's unique status as a newly recognized species is a testament to the evolving understanding of biodiversity within these remote and ecologically significant cloud forests.

Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, a National Geographic explorer and co-author of the paper describing the tilcayo in the journal Current Biology, expressed her excitement about the naming of a new cat species. "I have the honor of naming a cat, and that's a really big thing," she remarked during a conversation with Mongabay. This achievement underscores the significance of ongoing research and the role of dedicated scientists in uncovering the hidden diversity of our natural world.