The Tilcayo cat measures 46 centimeters, weighs 1.4 kilograms, and was identified through genomic analysis in the Yungas region.
An international team of scientists has identified a new species of wild cat in Bolivia—the first member of the feline family to be described as entirely new to science in over a century. Named Leopardus tilcayo, the animal inhabits the cloud forests of the Yungas, located on the eastern slopes of the Andes.
The discovery was confirmed through genomic studies comparing modern samples with material preserved in museums for decades. Researchers analyzed the complete genomes of 38 specimens from the genus Leopardus and determined that the Tilcayo cat diverged evolutionarily from its closest relatives approximately 1.4 million years ago.
The reference specimen is a male, roughly 10 years old, currently being cared for at the Senda Verde wildlife refuge in Bolivia. He was found as a cub by a local family who initially mistook him for a domestic cat.
Characteristics of the new Tilcayo cat
Leopardus tilcayo is considerably smaller than the average domestic cat. It measures approximately 46 centimeters from head to rump and weighs around 1.4 kilograms.
Its distinguishing features include large, rosette-shaped spots, a slender tail, and specific differences in facial structure and ear shape compared to other known species, such as oncillas (or tiger cats).
These unique traits were what initially caught the attention of Bolivian biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz. Upon comparing photographs of the specimen with existing descriptions, she noticed differences that prompted the team to conduct further genetic analysis.
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