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Scientists describe new wild cat species from Bolivian cloud forests

Researchers identified the tilcayo cat, marking the first living wild feline species described in over a century.

Updated Sep 19, 2026 · 10:15 UTC2 reports

The short version

  • Researchers identified Leopardus tilcayo, a newly described feline species native to Bolivia's Yungas cloud forest.[France 24 · ABC News]
  • Genetic analysis of a sanctuary specimen and museum samples showed the lineage diverged roughly 1.4 million years ago.[France 24]
  • The species weighs around three pounds and represents the first new living wild feline formally described since 1923.[France 24 · ABC News]
  • Scientists caution that the cat's full range and population size remain unknown amid habitat threats from deforestation and wildfires.[France 24 · ABC News]

Key facts

  • Leopardus tilcayo is the first new living wild cat species formally described since the Uruguayan pampas cat was identified in 1923.[France 24 · ABC News]
  • The cat measures roughly 18 inches in length and weighs about 3 pounds, making it smaller than an average domestic cat.[France 24 · ABC News]
  • Genetic sequencing showed that the species split from related South American tiger cats approximately 1.4 million years ago.[France 24]
  • A 10-year-old male kept at Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary is the only known tilcayo cat currently in captivity.[ABC News]

What remains uncertain

  • Researchers note that the total population size, geographic distribution, diet, and behavioral patterns of the tilcayo cat remain largely unknown.[France 24 · ABC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.