Scientists Identify New Bolivia Wild Cat Species After Century
Bolivia
Fernando Faciole/National Geogra/Reuters
Source Analysis
What Happened
What Happened
Where Sources Agree
- arrows_inputFirst New Cat Species in Century: Sources largely converge on the identification of a new living cat species named Leopardus tilcayo, which represents the first discovery of its kind in more than a century, according to a study published in the journal Current Biology.
- arrows_inputGenetic Divergence and Classification: Multiple outlets emphasize that tiger cats comprise five distinct species, with analysis of 38 genomes showing the Leopardus tilcayo lineage diverged 1.4 million years ago, according to genetic studies.
Where Sources Disagree
- arrows_outputKnown Population Count: While some reports state that only one individual of the newly identified Leopardus tilcayo species is known, others report that a pair of these cats have been identified and undergone whole-genome sequencing.
- arrows_outputConservation Status Assessment: While some reports note that the IUCN currently classifies tiger cats as 'vulnerable,' others emphasize that the new species' conservation status remains difficult to assess due to limited data on its population size and distribution.
Timeline
September 17, 2026
Genomic study and formal description: A comprehensive genomic analysis of 38 Leopardus samples, published in Current Biology on September 17, 2026, showed tiger cats comprise five distinct species, named the Bolivian lineage Leopardus tilcayo (diverged ~1.4 million years ago) and described a new Peruvian subspecies; researchers shared results with the IUCN and highlighted conservation concerns for the Yungas habitat.
2019
Markings re‑examined in photos: While preparing a booklet in 2019, Nogales‑Ascarrunz re‑examined 2016 photos and noticed the cat's rosette patterns and other traits did not match known tiger cats, prompting genetic testing.
2017
Cat taken to Senda Verde: The animal (nicknamed Tigrino) was kept by a local family for about a year before being turned over to Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary, where a 10‑year‑old male now resides and drew scientists' attention.
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Source Analysis
Timeline
September 17, 2026
Genomic study and formal description: A comprehensive genomic analysis of 38 Leopardus samples, published in Current Biology on September 17, 2026, showed tiger cats comprise five distinct species, named the Bolivian lineage Leopardus tilcayo (diverged ~1.4 million years ago) and described a new Peruvian subspecies; researchers shared results with the IUCN and highlighted conservation concerns for the Yungas habitat.
2019
Markings re‑examined in photos: While preparing a booklet in 2019, Nogales‑Ascarrunz re‑examined 2016 photos and noticed the cat's rosette patterns and other traits did not match known tiger cats, prompting genetic testing.
2017
Cat taken to Senda Verde: The animal (nicknamed Tigrino) was kept by a local family for about a year before being turned over to Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary, where a 10‑year‑old male now resides and drew scientists' attention.
