Scientists have officially described a new wild cat species discovered in Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forest. The animal, named the tilcayo cat (Leopardus tilcayo), reflects the name used by local communities for the elusive feline.
Discovery details
The tilcayo cat belongs to the tiger cat group that ranges across South America. Researchers say it is smaller than an average domestic cat, measuring about 18 inches in length and weighing roughly 3 pounds. Its light‑brown coat features irregular rosette‑like markings and a long, slender tail.
Genetic analysis of DNA from 38 specimens across the Leopardus genus, including museum samples, confirmed the tilcayo cat as a distinct species. The study, published in the journal Current Biology, estimates the lineage split from related tiger cats about 1.4 million years ago. The broader research also suggests that what was once considered a single “tiger cat” group actually comprises at least five genetically distinct species.
Habitat and future research
The known habitat of the tilcayo cat is the mountainous, humid Yungas forest where the Andes meet the Amazon basin. One individual currently resides at Bolivia’s Senda Verde wildlife sanctuary after being kept as a pet by a local family.
Scientists admit that little is known about the species’ population size, diet, behavior, or full geographic range. Ongoing efforts include deploying camera traps throughout the forest to locate additional individuals and better understand the cat’s ecology.
This discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the Yungas region and underscores the importance of continued conservation and scientific study in South America’s cloud forests.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
