New Cat Species Discovered in Bolivia After More Than 100 Years
HPN 48 / Bolivia
Scientists have identified a previously unknown wild cat species in Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forest. Named Leopardus tilcayo, the small spotted feline is the first new living cat species to be formally described in more than a century. The discovery was reported on September 17–18, 2026, by Reuters and other international news organizations.
A Tiny Wild Cat With a Big Discovery
The newly identified Tilcayo tiger cat measures around 46 cm (18 inches) and weighs about 1.4 kg (3 pounds). Its light-brown coat features distinctive dark rosettes, giving it a leopard-like appearance.
The animal was first encountered in 2016 after a local man found it as a kitten and initially believed it was a domestic cat. Researchers later noticed that its physical characteristics did not match known tiger cats.
DNA Testing Confirmed a New Species
Scientists analysed genetic material from 38 cats from across South America, including museum specimens. The results showed that the Bolivian cat was genetically distinct from other tiger cats.
Researchers estimate that the lineage leading to Leopardus tilcayo separated from other tiger cats around 1.4 million years ago.
The research has been published in the scientific journal Current Biology.
Where Is the New Cat Found?
The Tilcayo tiger cat has been identified in Bolivia’s Yungas forest, a mountainous cloud-forest region on the eastern slopes of the Andes.
Scientists say very little is currently known about its lifestyle. Camera-trap observations suggest it may be more active at night, while remains found in scat indicate that small rodents may be part of its diet.
First New Cat Species in More Than a Century
The discovery is significant because it represents the first newly described living feline species in more than 100 years. The last new feline species traditionally cited in this context was the pampas cat, described in 1923.
Researchers have also shared their findings with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for consideration in future assessments of the species' conservation status.
Key Facts
- Scientific name: Leopardus tilcayo
- Common name: Tilcayo tiger cat
- Location: Yungas forest, Bolivia
- Length: About 46 cm
- Weight: About 1.4 kg
- Diet: Likely includes small rodents
- Discovery confirmation: Genetic analysis
- Research journal: Current Biology
- Discovery: First newly described living cat species in more than a century
