Scientists have formally identified a new species of wild cat native to Bolivia. This marks the first time in over a century a living feline species was described. The animal is named Leopardus tilcayo, adopting the name used by local communities. The discovery was detailed in a study published in the journal Current Biology. Leopardus tilcayo is a type of tiger cat found across South America.
A Small Feline With A Unique Genetic History
It measures around 46 centimeters in body length, with a 25-centimeter tail. It weighs between 1.5 and 2 kilograms, making it smaller than average domestic cats. Its coat is light brown, patterned with irregularly shaped dark rosettes. This gives it an appearance somewhat similar to a miniature leopard. The species is native to Bolivia's Yungas cloud forest region.
This mountainous region sits where the Andes meet the expansive Amazon basin. It is one of the least studied ecosystems in the Neotropical realm. The discovery traces back to a single animal that arrived at Senda Verde. This wildlife refuge received the animal from a local family in 2017. Researchers noticed the animal didn't quite match any existing tiger cat species.
Utilizing DNA To Map The Feline Family Tree
What ultimately confirmed the discovery wasn't appearance, but rather deep genetic analysis. Researchers analyzed DNA from both museum specimens and living animals. That analysis revealed the tiger cat group comprises at least five distinct species. Each species possesses its own separate and unique evolutionary history. Leopardus tilcayo split off from other Leopardus species roughly 1.4 million years ago.
The last time scientists formally described a new living cat species was in 1923. Very little is currently known about the tilcayo cat's biology or behavior. Evidence gathered from camera traps indicates the species could be nocturnal. With only two confirmed individuals known, much about its population remains a mystery. Scientists hope to conduct further field research in the Yungas region soon.
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