Scientists Discover a New Wild Cat Species in Bolivia After More Than a Century

Scientists have identified a previously unknown species of wild cat living in Bolivia’s cloud forests, marking the first discovery of a new living cat species in more than a century.

The small feline, known as the Bolivian cloud forest cat, was identified after researchers studied its appearance, genetics and evolutionary history. The discovery was announced in September 2026.

A Cat Hidden in the Cloud Forest

The newly identified animal lives in humid mountain forests in Bolivia. Its habitat is difficult to reach, which has helped keep the population relatively hidden from scientists and the wider public.

At first glance, the animal resembles other small South American wild cats. Researchers therefore needed genetic testing and detailed comparisons with related species to establish that it represents a distinct lineage.

Genetic Evidence Revealed the Difference

The research team compared DNA from the Bolivian cats with genetic material from other closely related feline species. The results showed that the animals belong to a separate evolutionary lineage.

The discovery is significant because scientists had not formally recognized a new living species within the cat family for more than 100 years.

Why the Discovery Matters

The identification of a new species also highlights how much remains unknown about biodiversity in remote mountain forests.

Cloud forests provide habitat for numerous plants and animals, but they face pressure from deforestation, agricultural expansion and other changes to the environment.

Scientists say identifying the cat as a distinct species is an important first step toward understanding its population, distribution and conservation needs.

More Research Is Needed

Researchers still need to learn more about the newly recognized cat, including how many individuals remain in the wild and how widely the species is distributed.

For now, the discovery adds a new member to the world’s catalog of wild cats and offers another reminder that previously undocumented wildlife can still be found in some of Earth’s most difficult-to-reach ecosystems.

Sources

• GMA News — “LOOK: First new cat species to be discovered in over a century found in Bolivia” — September 2026
• Scientific research and conservation sources cited in the species identification report — September 2026