Researchers have identified a new species of wild cat in Bolivia, marking the first addition to the wild feline family in more than a century. Named Leopardus tilcayo, the animal, commonly known as the tilcayo cat, inhabits the Bolivian Yungas—a cloud forest region within the Andes-Amazon basin.

Characterized by a light brown coat adorned with irregularly shaped rosettes, the tilcayo cat is smaller than the average domestic cat, measuring approximately 45 centimeters in length and weighing around 1.3 kilograms. Its distinct appearance includes facial stripes and a relatively long, slender tail. These features differentiate it from closely related species such as the oncilla, or northern tiger cat, with which it shares part of its range.

The species was confirmed through a genetic study published in the journal Current Biology. Researchers analyzed DNA samples from 38 cats belonging to the genus Leopardus across multiple South American countries. Their findings revealed that Leopardus tilcayo is genetically distinct, marking it as a separate species within this group of small wild cats widely distributed throughout the continent.

Knowledge about the tilcayo cat's behavior and ecology remains limited, as only two live individuals have been examined, alongside images captured via camera traps. One of the known specimens is a ten-year-old male residing at the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary in Bolivia. This particular cat had been raised by a local family before being brought to the sanctuary. Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, a National Geographic Explorer and co-author of the study, first encountered this animal during her volunteer work at the sanctuary in 2017.

Preliminary observations suggest that the tilcayo cat may be primarily nocturnal. Scat analyses have uncovered remains of small rodents, providing some insight into its diet, although further research is needed to fully understand its ecological role and habits in the dense forest environment.

The discovery of Leopardus tilcayo underscores the biodiversity present in the Andean cloud forests and highlights the potential for finding previously unrecognized species in this region. Researchers emphasize the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts to better protect these elusive animals and their habitats.