Scientists Identify a New Wild Cat Species in Bolivia After More Than a Century
La Paz, Bolivia — September 22, 2026

Scientists have officially identified a previously unrecognized species of wild cat in Bolivia, marking the first time in more than a century that researchers have formally described a new living species of wild feline.

The small, spotted animal, named Leopardus tilcayo, was discovered at a wildlife sanctuary in Bolivia’s Yungas region. The findings were published in the scientific journal Current Biology.

A Small Cat With a Hidden Identity
The animal had been living at the sanctuary for several years after being found in a nearby forest.

Researchers initially became interested because of its unusually small size. The male cat measures about 46 centimeters from its head to the base of its tail and weighs around 1.4 kilograms.

Its light-brown coat is covered with dark spots, giving it an appearance similar to other South American tiger cats.

DNA Reveals a Separate Species
Scientists compared genetic samples from more than 30 wild cats from across South America, along with DNA obtained from museum specimens.

The analysis showed that the animal belongs to a distinct evolutionary lineage that separated from its closest relatives around 1.4 million years ago.

Researchers also found evidence that South America’s tiger cats are more genetically diverse than previously believed, with at least five distinct species identified in the group.

Local Communities Already Knew the Cat
The species name tilcayo comes from a name used by local communities in the Andean cloud forests where the animal lives.

Scientists noted that the cat was not completely unknown to people living in the region. Instead, it had remained scientifically unrecognized as a separate species.

Researchers say the discovery demonstrates how local knowledge can contribute to scientific research and biodiversity studies.

Conservation Concerns
Scientists are now trying to determine how many of these cats remain in the wild and how widely they are distributed.

The species has so far been confirmed in Bolivia’s Yungas forests, an area facing threats from deforestation and gold mining.

Researchers say understanding the animal’s population, behavior and habitat will be important for determining how it can be protected.

The discovery also highlights how much biodiversity may remain undocumented, even among animal groups that scientists have studied for decades.

Sources: Associated Press; Current Biology; Panthera.