A tiny wild cat residing in the cloud forest of Bolivia has been recognized as a previously unidentified species, marking the first formal naming of a new living cat species in over a century. Known as Tilcayo by local communities, this cat belongs to a group called tiger cats found throughout much of South America. Discovered in the lush Yungas forest of Bolivia, this cat is about 46 centimeters (18 inches) long and weighs approximately three pounds, making it smaller than the average domestic cat.
Genetic data was utilized by researchers to confirm the cat as a new species, which was given the scientific name Leopardus tilcayo while retaining its local name. Described as having light brown fur with irregularly shaped rosettes across its body, this newly identified species has limited information available regarding its biology and lifestyle. Scat samples containing remains of small rodents suggest a part of its diet includes them, and evidence from camera traps indicates it may be more active during the night.
Tiger cats are considered cryptic species, making it challenging to distinguish them based solely on appearance. Previous to this discovery, tiger cats were believed to be a single species, but genetic studies conducted decades ago hinted at the presence of multiple species. The researchers have identified only two live individuals of the new species so far, with one being a 10-year-old male now residing in the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary after being cared for by a local family.
The research team’s DNA analysis of 38 cats sampled across various South American countries, including museum specimens, revealed that tiger cats comprise five genetically distinct species. The newly discovered Bolivian tiger cat lineage diverged from other tiger cats about 1.4 million years ago. Additionally, a new tiger cat subspecies was described in Peru’s Yungas and named Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo after the region of the ancient Inca Empire where it is found.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature, responsible for monitoring species status, currently lists tiger cats as two “vulnerable” species with declining populations. By sharing their findings with the IUCN, the researchers hope that the upcoming review will evaluate the five lineages separately to provide a more accurate assessment of risk. This could potentially lead to species like the Tilcayo being classified as endangered when evaluated individually.
Given the urgency to assess the conservation status of species in threatened ecosystems like the Yungas, efforts to restore damaged forest patches, protect remaining native forest, and maintain habitat connectivity are crucial. The discovery of new species, even within well-known groups like cats, serves as a reminder of the existence of undiscovered species facing extinction before being identified.