Scientists Discover New Cat Species for the First Time in a 100 Years
A tiny spotted wild cat from Bolivia has been identified as a completely new species, marking the first discovery of a new cat species in more than 100 years. The newly recognized feline, named Leopardus tilcayo, was initially mistaken for an ordinary tiger cat but has now been confirmed as a unique species through genetic research.
The discovery traces back to 2016 when Bolivian biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz received a call from a wildlife sanctuary about an unusual cat that had been rescued as a kitten. A local resident had found the animal near a forest and kept it for about a year, believing it was a domestic cat. As it grew, however, it became clear that the animal was wild, leading to its transfer to the Senda Verde Animal Refuge in Bolivia’s Yungas region.
When Nogales-Ascarrunz first saw the cat, she was immediately intrigued. The animal had a distinctive appearance, including a compact face, rounded ears, long whiskers, and leopard-like markings. It was also exceptionally small, measuring about 18 inches from head to body and weighing just three pounds—smaller than many household cats.
At first, researchers believed the animal belonged to Leopardus tigrinus, commonly known as the tiger cat or oncilla, a species thought to be distributed across much of Central and South America. However, while preparing educational material on Bolivia’s wild cats in 2019, Nogales-Ascarrunz noticed that the cat’s markings differed significantly from those of tiger cats found in neighboring countries.
This observation prompted further investigation. Over the following years, advances in genetic analysis allowed researchers to study the animal’s DNA in greater detail. Working alongside Brazilian geneticist Eduardo Eizirik and Belgian researcher Jonas Lescroart, the team discovered that the cat represented a previously unknown branch of the feline family tree.
The species was named Leopardus tilcayo, adopting the local name used by residents of the region. Interestingly, the exact origin of the word “tilcayo” remains unclear, though it has been passed down through generations in local communities.
Scientists currently know very little about the new species beyond its habitat in Bolivia’s Yungas forests along the eastern slopes of the Andes. Important details about its diet, behavior, reproduction, population size, and predators remain largely unknown.
Researchers say the discovery is significant not only because it represents the first newly identified cat species since the pampas cat was described in 1923, but also because it reshapes scientists’ understanding of the Leopardus genus. Genetic studies suggest that what was once considered a single tiger cat species is actually a group of several distinct species.
Using advanced genomic analysis, researchers compared DNA from dozens of cats within the Leopardus family. Their findings showed that Leopardus tilcayo split from its closest relatives around 1.4 million years ago, indicating a long and separate evolutionary history.
The study also suggests that the diversity of small wild cats may be far greater than previously believed. Scientists think similar genetic techniques could reveal additional undiscovered species in other parts of the world, including Africa and Asia.
Beyond its scientific importance, the discovery has major implications for conservation. Species are often assessed for protection based on their geographic range and population size. If animals previously grouped together are actually several separate species, each may be far rarer and more vulnerable than once thought.
For researchers, the discovery serves as a reminder that even among well-known animal groups such as cats, there are still surprises waiting to be found. As scientists continue exploring the natural world, the tiny tilcayo stands as proof that remarkable discoveries can still emerge in places that seem familiar.
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