A tiny wild feline living in the cloud forest of Bolivia has been recognized as a newly discovered species, marking the first formal naming of a new living cat species in over a hundred years. Known as Tilcayo by locals, this cat is part of the tiger cat group found widely across South America. Discovered in Bolivia’s Yungas forest, a region characterized by cloud-covered mountains and high humidity, the cat measures approximately 46 centimeters (18 inches) in length and weighs around three pounds, making it smaller than the average domestic cat.
Genetic analysis confirmed the cat as a new species, labeled as Leopardus tilcayo while retaining its local name. Described by researchers as having light brown fur with irregularly shaped rosettes, little is known about its biology and habits. Evidence from scat samples suggests it preys on small rodents, and camera-trap data indicates it may be more active during the night.
Tiger cats, described as cryptic species, are challenging to distinguish based on appearance alone. Previous belief held tiger cats as a single species, but genetic studies conducted in the past hinted at the existence of multiple species. A recent study involving DNA analysis from various South American countries, including museum specimens, revealed that tiger cats consist of five genetically distinct species.
The new species from Bolivia, Tilcayo, was found to have separated from other tiger cats around 1.4 million years ago based on genetic analysis. Additionally, a new tiger cat subspecies in Peru’s Yungas was named Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo after the region it inhabits. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list currently lists tiger cats as two “vulnerable” species with declining populations. Researchers believe that assessing the five tiger cat lineages separately could provide a more accurate assessment of their risk status, potentially leading to the classification of species like Tilcayo as endangered.
The Yungas ecosystem, where the new species was discovered, is under threat from deforestation, agriculture expansion, human-induced fires, and mining activities. Urgent conservation efforts such as forest restoration, protection of native habitats, and maintaining ecological connections are crucial to preserving these unique feline species. The discovery of new species like Tilcayo serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to safeguard biodiversity and prevent the loss of undiscovered species.