Tiny Wild Cat Becomes First New Feline Species in a Century

Scientists have identified the tilcayo as a previously unknown wild cat species, revealing hidden biodiversity in Bolivia’s cloud forests.

“Sometimes we think that most of it is known, that there’s not a whole lot to discover, but in fact, it’s the other way around,” said Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, biologist and founder of the Bolivian Felids Research Program.

Weighing just three to four pounds and distinguished by large rosettes on its light brown coat, the tilcayo (Leopardus tilcayo) is the first entirely new feline species identified since 1923. Genetic analysis of 38 tiger cats indicates its lineage diverged around 1.4 million years ago, probably as climatic changes isolated populations in humid mountain forests. Its recognition brings the number of known tiger cat species in Central and South America to five and could strengthen conservation by helping scientists identify populations that need targeted protection from deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and wildlife trafficking.