New wild cat species discovered in Bolivia's Yungas forest

A team of scientists announced the formal description of a new wild feline species in Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forest, marking the first time a living cat has been named and described in more than a century. The discovery, which has been named *Leopardus tilcayo*, adds a previously unknown member to the group of tiger cats that roam much of South America. The finding was made by researchers working in the high‑humidity, mist‑shrouded slopes of the Yungas, a region that has long been a hotspot for biodiversity.

*Leopardus tilcayo* is notably small, measuring about 18 inches (46 cm) in body length and weighing roughly 3 lb (1.4 kg), which is less than the average domestic cat. Local communities in the area refer to the animal as “tilcayo,” a name that has now been incorporated into its scientific designation. Morphological analysis and genetic sequencing confirm that it belongs to the tiger cat lineage, but its distinct features and restricted range set it apart from its close relatives.

The identification of this diminutive feline underscores the ecological importance of the Yungas forest and highlights the need for continued conservation efforts in the region. Researchers plan to conduct further studies on the species’ habitat preferences, population size, and potential threats, aiming to inform protective measures that will preserve this newly recognized component of Bolivia’s natural heritage.