Summary
Scientists have discovered a new species of wild cat in a wildlife sanctuary in Bolivia. This small, spotted cat, named Leopardus tilcayo, is the first new living wild cat species identified in over 100 years.Key Facts
- The new wild cat species was found in the Yungas region of Bolivia at the Senda Verde animal refuge.
- It is smaller than a typical house cat, about 18 inches long and weighing 3 pounds.
- Genetic studies showed this cat split from its closest relatives about 1.4 million years ago.
- The species had lived unnoticed despite being at the sanctuary for years.
- The last wild cat species discovered before this was in 1923 (the Uruguayan pampas cat).
- Researchers used DNA samples from over 30 cats and from museum specimens to identify the new species.
- The new cat was named Leopardus tilcayo, based on the local names used by people in the Andean cloud forests.
- Scientists still need to learn about the cat’s diet, habits, and how many exist in the wild.
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