New cat species identified in Bolivia, first in over a century

Scientists have confirmed a new species of small wild cat in Bolivia, named Leopardus tilcayo. The discovery was made after DNA studies revealed the distinctiveness of a single rescued cat nicknamed 'Tigrino.' This finding highlights the need for greater conservation efforts for lesser-known wild cats in South and Central America, as experts previously struggled to differentiate between similar species due to their…

Researchers in Bolivia have identified a new feline species, named Leopardus tilcayo after the local community name "tilcayo," in the country's Yungas cloud forests. This tiny wild cat measures 18 inches long and weighs about 3 pounds, smaller than an average domestic cat. The discovery marks the first identification of a new living feline species in over a century, based on genetic analysis of samples from across…

Scientists have discovered a new feline species in Bolivia's Yungas cloud forest after it was initially kept as a pet due to its distinctive leopard-like spots. Named Leopardus tilcayo, this small wild cat weighs no more than 3 pounds and is around 18 inches long, smaller than a typical house cat. Researchers identified the new species using genetic testing, distinguishing it from other "tiger cats" and revealing an…

Scientists have identified a new cat species in Bolivia's cloud forests, marking the first discovery of a living cat species in over 100 years. Named Leopardus tilcayo or "Tilcayo" by local communities, this small wild cat measures about 46 cm long and weighs around 1.4 kg. Researchers confirmed its status as a distinct species through genetic analysis and published their findings on September 17 in the journal…

Scientists have discovered a new small wild cat species in Bolivia’s Andes mountains after DNA analysis revealed it was distinct from other similar felines. The Leopardus tilcayo, or tilcayo cat, weighs just three pounds and is native to the Yungas cloud forest. Its discovery marks the first new living feline species identified in over a century. Researchers found that what were previously considered a single group…

The Morning Dispatch's newsletter highlights the discovery of a new species of wildcat named Leopardus tilcayo in Bolivia, which hasn't happened in over 100 years. This small, 5-pound wildcat has distinct features including leopard-like spots and was initially mistaken for a house cat by a local man who adopted it as a kitten.

Scientists have identified a new species of wild cat in Bolivia's Yungas region near La Paz, marking the first discovery of its kind in over 100 years. Named Leopardus tilcayo or the Tilcayo tiger cat due to locals' reports and genetic testing, this small feline with distinctive leopard-like spots was initially mistaken for a house cat by local residents. The research team, led by biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz…

Researchers have identified a new species of cat, Leopardus tilcayo, in Bolivia's cloud forest, marking the first discovery of a living cat species in over a century. The small wild cat, known locally as Tilcayo, was confirmed through genetic testing to be distinct from other tiger cats found across South America. It measures about 46 centimeters long and weighs around three pounds. Genetic analysis indicates that…

Scientists have identified a new wild cat species in Bolivia, marking the first discovery of this kind in over 100 years. Named Leopardus tilcayo after a local indigenous term, the small feline was spotted at a wildlife sanctuary where it had been residing for years. Researchers used DNA analysis from specimens across South America to confirm that L. tilcayo diverged as a distinct species around 1.4 million years…