New Wild Cat Species Discovered in Bolivia for the First Time in More Than a Century

Scientists have identified a previously unknown wild cat species living in the cloud forests of Bolivia, marking the first time in more than a century that a completely new living feline species has been formally described.

Named Leopardus tilcayo, the small spotted cat was discovered in the Yungas cloud forests, where the eastern slopes of the Andes meet the Amazon basin. The species is smaller than an average domestic cat, measuring about 46 centimeters long and weighing around 1.4 kilograms.

A Cat That Was Hiding in Plain Sight

The discovery began with a single cat living at a wildlife sanctuary in Bolivia. The animal, known as Tigrino, had originally been taken from the forest as a kitten and kept by a local family before being brought to the sanctuary.

Biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz noticed that Tigrino looked different from the tiger cats researchers already knew. His body was unusually small, while his coat had distinctive large, irregular rosettes.

DNA Revealed a Separate Species

Researchers eventually compared genetic information from 38 tiger cats collected from different parts of South America, including museum specimens. The analysis showed that the cats previously grouped together as tiger cats actually represented several genetically distinct species.

The researchers determined that the lineage leading to Leopardus tilcayo separated from other tiger cats roughly 1.4 million years ago.

Scientists Still Know Very Little About It

Despite the importance of the discovery, researchers say much remains unknown about the new species. Only a small number of animals have been documented, and scientists do not yet know how many tilcayo cats survive in the wild.

Early observations suggest the cats may be active at night and feed on small animals such as rodents. More camera-trap surveys will be needed to understand their population, behavior and distribution.

A Species That May Need Protection

The discovery also highlights the importance of protecting Bolivia’s Yungas forests. The region faces pressure from deforestation, agricultural expansion, fires and mining.

Researchers have shared their findings with the International Union for Conservation of Nature so that the newly recognized species can be assessed separately. Identifying the tilcayo could help scientists understand its conservation needs before more of its habitat is lost.

Sources

• Reuters — “New cat species identified in Bolivia, first in over a century,” September 17, 2026.
• National Geographic — “Meet the First New Cat Species Discovered in 100 Years,” September 17, 2026.
• Current Biology — Research describing Leopardus tilcayo, September 17, 2026.
• Smithsonian Magazine — “Meet the Adorable and Tiny Tilcayo,” September 21, 2026.