New wildcat species identified in Bolivia

A team of South American wildlife researchers announced the formal recognition of a previously unclassified spotted wildcat in Bolivia, confirming that the feline, long mistaken for other regional subspecies, represents a distinct species. The discovery emerged from a multi‑year field study in the Andean foothills and the Chaco lowlands, where camera traps and live‑capture surveys documented a population of medium‑sized cats bearing a unique pattern of rosettes and a darker, more robust build than the common Pampas cat (Leopardus colocolo).

Genetic sequencing of tissue samples collected from several individuals revealed a clear divergence from known Leopardus lineages, with mitochondrial DNA differences exceeding the threshold typically used to delineate species. Morphological analysis supported these findings, noting distinct cranial measurements and pelage coloration. The researchers propose the name *Leopardus boliviensis* for the new species, highlighting its endemic range within Bolivia’s transitional ecosystems and its reliance on dense understory and riparian habitats.

The identification of *L. boliviensis* underscores the region’s biodiversity and the importance of continued taxonomic surveys in understudied habitats. Conservationists note that the species’ limited distribution may render it vulnerable to habitat loss and agricultural expansion, prompting calls for targeted protection measures and further ecological research to assess population size and threats.