New South American tiger cat species tilcayo named, fifth in genus

South American wildlife experts have announced the formal recognition of a new tiger‑cat species, the **tilcayo** (Leopardus tilcayo), expanding the genus Leopardus to five distinct species. The discovery follows a multi‑year survey of remote forest habitats in the upper Amazon basin, where researchers identified individuals that consistently differed from known species in skull morphology, pelage pattern, and vocalization.

The tilcayo was first collected in 2021 during a joint expedition by the University of São Paulo and the National Institute of Amazonian Research. Subsequent genetic analyses revealed a distinct mitochondrial DNA lineage, confirming its status as a separate species. Field observations suggest the tilcayo occupies a niche in dense, humid lowland forests, and preliminary data indicate it may have a diet primarily of small mammals and amphibians.

With the addition of the tilcayo, conservationists now have a clearer picture of tiger‑cat diversity in South America. The new species’ identification underscores the importance of continued biodiversity surveys in the Amazon and highlights the need for targeted habitat protection to preserve these elusive felids.