A small wild feline living in the cloud forest of Bolivia has been recognized as a previously unidentified species, marking the first instance of a new living cat species being officially named and detailed in over a hundred years. Known as Tilcayo by local communities, this cat belongs to a group known as tiger cats that are widespread across much of South America. Discovered in Bolivia’s lush Yungas forest, a high-altitude region characterized by cloud-covered forests and high humidity, researchers have determined that this cat measures approximately 46 centimeters (18 inches) in length and weighs around three pounds, making it smaller than the average domestic cat.
Genetic analysis was utilized to confirm the cat as a new species, and it was christened with the scientific name Leopardus tilcayo, retaining its local designation. Describing the newly identified species, Paola Nogales Ascarrunz, a National Geographic explorer and one of the study’s authors, mentioned that its fur is light brown with irregular rosettes across its body. The cat’s biology and lifestyle are still largely unknown, but findings from scat samples suggest a diet including small rodents, while evidence from camera traps indicates nocturnal activity.
Tiger cats are considered cryptic species, challenging to differentiate based solely on appearance, as noted by evolutionary biologist Jonas Lescroart from the University of Antwerp in Belgium, who co-led the study. Formerly believed to be a single species, genetic studies from decades ago hinted at the presence of multiple species within the tiger cat group.
The study, based on DNA analysis of 38 cats sampled across various South American countries, including museum specimens, revealed that tiger cats comprise five genetically distinct species. The newly identified Tilcayo lineage diverged from other tiger cats about 1.4 million years ago. Additionally, a new tiger cat subspecies in Peru’s Yungas was described and named Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo after the region of the ancient Inca Empire it inhabits.
Currently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists tiger cats as two “vulnerable” species with declining populations. Researchers have shared their discoveries with the IUCN for a forthcoming review that will assess the five lineages separately, potentially leading to a reevaluation of the risk status of species like the Tilcayo, which might be classified as endangered when individually evaluated. The urgency for a more precise assessment is particularly critical in the Yungas, a highly threatened ecosystem facing challenges like deforestation, agricultural expansion, human-induced fires, and mining. Nogales Ascarrunz emphasized the necessity of restoring damaged forest patches, safeguarding remaining native forests, and preserving habitat connections as immediate priorities.
Eduardo Eizirik, an evolutionary biologist from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil and a senior author of the study, highlighted the importance of showcasing the ongoing discovery of new species, even within prominent groups like cats. The message conveyed is the existence of numerous undiscovered species at risk of extinction before being identified, underscoring the need for conservation efforts.