Researchers have announced the discovery of a previously unknown wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo, adding to the diversity of the Felidae family. The finding, published in Current Biology, stems from DNA work that separated the new taxon from other “tiger cats” that share similar spot patterns across Central and South America.
How the species was uncovered
The breakthrough began when Bolivian scientist Paola Nogales‑Ascarrunz noticed an unusual feline at a wildlife sanctuary in the Yungas region. The animal, nicknamed “Tigrino,” had been rescued as a kitten and, as it grew, displayed behaviors unlike those of domestic cats. Nogales‑Ascarrunz teamed up with geneticists and taxonomists from Brazil, the United Kingdom, and other institutions to compare DNA from living specimens and museum samples.
Key findings
- DNA analysis revealed that the cat belongs to a distinct lineage, warranting recognition as a separate species.
- The study suggests that the group of South‑American “tiger cats” may comprise five species rather than the previously accepted three.
- Only one confirmed living member of Leopardus tilcayo is known – the rescued cat in the Bolivian sanctuary – though scientists suspect additional individuals exist in the wild.
Conservation implications
Small wild cats in the region are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss, deforestation, and illegal hunting. As Dr. Caroline Sartor of the University of Oxford notes, “it is impossible to protect a species if we don’t know what it is or where it lives.” The discovery highlights the need for targeted surveys and protective measures in the Yungas forests, a habitat that remains under‑studied.
Impact on cat taxonomy
Prior to this work, the Felidae family was thought to contain 41 recognized species. The addition of Leopardus tilcayo, along with the potential split of other tiger cats, could raise the count to 44 or more, underscoring how much biodiversity remains undocumented.
Expert commentary
Andrew Kitchener, a mammal specialist at National Museums Scotland, described tiger cats as a “taxonomic nightmare” because of their similar appearances and scarce museum specimens. He praised the genetic approach for clarifying relationships that morphology alone could not resolve.
While the new species is currently represented by a single known individual, the research team hopes the finding will spark further fieldwork, leading to the identification of additional members and the development of conservation strategies tailored to these elusive felids.