A small wild cat living in Bolivia’s cloud forest has been recognized as a newfound species, representing the first formal naming of a new living cat species in over a century. Known locally as Tilcayo, this cat belongs to a group of tiger cats found across South America. Discovered in Bolivia’s Yungas forest, a region characterized by cloud-covered forests and high humidity, the cat measures around 46 centimeters (18 inches) in length and weighs about three pounds, making it smaller than the average domestic cat.
Genetic analysis confirmed the cat as a new species, named Leopardus tilcayo, while retaining its local title. Described as having light brown fur with irregular rosettes, little is known about its biology and habits. Scat samples suggest it feeds on small rodents, and camera-trap data indicate it may be more active at night.
Considered cryptic species, tiger cats are challenging to distinguish based on appearance alone. Previous studies hinted at multiple species within the tiger cat group, contrary to the belief that they were a single species. The newly identified species, Tilcayo, is based on limited information from two live individuals and a few camera-trap records.
The cat’s discovery in Bolivia raised questions about its classification compared to Brazilian tiger cats. Analysis of DNA from various South American cats revealed five genetically distinct tiger cat species. The Tilcayo lineage diverged from other tiger cats approximately 1.4 million years ago, indicating a significant genetic separation that aligns with species-level distinctions in cats.
Additionally, a new tiger cat subspecies was identified in Peru’s Yungas, named Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo after the region’s historical significance in the Inca Empire. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list currently lists tiger cats as two “vulnerable” species with declining populations. The researchers are advocating for a separate assessment of the five tiger cat lineages, which could potentially lead to the Tilcayo species being classified as endangered based on individual risk factors.
In the threatened Yungas ecosystem, conservation efforts are crucial to combat deforestation, agricultural expansion, fires, and mining activities. Restoring damaged forest areas, protecting native habitats, and preserving habitat connectivity are urgent priorities to safeguard biodiversity. The discovery of new species like Tilcayo underscores the importance of conservation and highlights the ongoing need to protect undiscovered species facing extinction threats.
