First new feline species in 100 years discovered in Bolivian forest
Summary
Scientists have discovered a new small wild cat species called Leopardus tilcayo in Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forest. This is the first new living feline species found in over 100 years. The cat is smaller than a house cat and was first noticed when a local family kept one as a pet before it was sent to a wildlife sanctuary.Key Facts
- The new species is named Leopardus tilcayo and is also known as the tilcayo cat.
- It weighs about 3 pounds and is roughly 18 inches long.
- The only known tilcayo cat in captivity is a 10-year-old male at the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary.
- The species was identified using advanced genetic testing, comparing its DNA to similar wild cats.
- Researchers found that what was thought to be one species of “tiger cats” actually includes several different species, including the tilcayo cat.
- The tilcayo cat likely evolved from a common ancestor around 1.4 million years ago.
- Camera traps in the forest suggest there may be more tilcayo cats living in the wild.
- Recognizing new species affects how conservation groups classify and protect these cats because splitting one group into smaller species can change their vulnerability status.
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