New Wild Cat Species Discovered in Bolivia
A small, spotted cat living at a wildlife sanctuary in Bolivia’s Yungas region was recently confirmed as a new species, the first wild cat formally named in more than a century. The male cat, about 10 years old, measures 18 inches from head to base of tail, weighs 3 pounds, and has a light-brown coat with dark, leopard-like spots, making it smaller than an average house cat.
Scientists compared DNA from over 30 cats across South America and museum specimens to determine the cat’s lineage. The analysis showed the lineage split from related species around 1.4 million years ago. The new species, named Leopardus tilcayo, honors local community names for the animal.
The discovery highlights that South America’s tiger cats, once thought to be a single species, actually comprise at least five distinct species. L. tilcayo has only been confirmed in Bolivia’s Yungas forests, a habitat under threat from deforestation and mining. Researchers hope that formally naming the species will aid in protecting its forest home.
Key takeaways
- The cat is a new species, Leopardus tilcayo, first named in over a century.
- It is small, 18 inches long, 3 pounds, and has a spotted light-brown coat.
- DNA work shows the species split from relatives 1.4 million years ago.
- The species is only known from Bolivia’s Yungas forests, which face environmental pressures.
- Naming the species may help protect its threatened habitat.
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Originally reported by iHeartCats. Read the full article.
Cover photo by Denniz Futalan via Pexels.
