Bolivian feline is first new cat species in 100 years

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, September 19, 2026

Scientists have identified a new species of wild cat, Leopardus tilcayo, in Bolivia's Yungas forests, the first discovery of a living cat species in over 100 years. This finding highlights the rich biodiversity of South America and raises urgent conservation concerns due to threats like deforestation and habitat loss in the region.

A new species of wild cat has been identified in Bolivia, marking the first discovery of a previously unknown living cat species in more than a century. The small feline, named Leopardus tilcayo, is native to the forests of the Yungas region and is notable for its diminutive size, measuring approximately 18 inches (46 centimeters) in length and weighing around 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms).

Genetic analysis has shown that Leopardus tilcayo diverged from other tiger cat species about 1.4 million years ago. The discovery emerged from a study that examined DNA samples from 38 cats across South America, revealing that what were previously thought to be tiger cats actually comprise five distinct genetic species. Despite its recent formal classification, the species name leans on the local term "Tilcayo" already used by communities in Bolivia.

Researchers described the animal's coat as light brown with irregularly shaped rosettes. Field data on the Tilcayo remains limited, with scientists having studied only two individuals in person and observed a few in camera-trap footage. Observations suggest the cat may be nocturnal and primarily preys on small mammals, as indicated by rodent remains found near the sites where the animals were recorded.

One of the known individuals is a 10-year-old male currently residing at Bolivia’s Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary after being previously kept as a pet. Due to its elusive nature, little is known about the species’ behavior, population size, or broader ecological role.

Conservationists express concern over the future of Leopardus tilcayo, as its home habitat in the Yungas forests faces ongoing threats from deforestation, wildfires, agricultural expansion, and mining activities. Eduardo Eizirik, a biologist involved in the study from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, highlighted the urgency of protecting such species, noting that many undiscovered animals remain at risk of extinction before they are even identified by science.

The identification of Leopardus tilcayo underscores the complexity and richness of South America’s biodiversity and points to the potential for further discoveries in the region’s relatively unexplored ecosystems.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.