Newly identified wild cat species discovered in Bolivia's Yungas forest

Scientists have confirmed the existence of a new wild cat species after genetic analysis of a small, spotted feline living at a wildlife sanctuary in Bolivia's Yungas region. The animal, about 18 inches long and weighing roughly 3 pounds, had been cared for by a local family for years before researchers examined it.

Bolivian biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, a National Geographic explorer and lead author of the study published in Current Biology, said the cat's size and coat pattern stood out from known species. Genetic comparison with more than 30 other South American cats, supplemented by museum specimens, showed the animal diverged from its closest relatives around 1.4 million years ago.

The new species, named Leopardus tilcayo after the traditional local term, joins four other recognized tiger cat species. Evolutionary biologist Jonas Lescroart noted that the discovery highlights hidden diversity even within well-studied groups like felids.

Researchers emphasize that little is known about the cat's population size, diet, behavior or full geographic range, which appears limited to Bolivia's cloud forests. They hope formal recognition will aid conservation efforts for its forest habitat, which faces pressures from deforestation and mining.

"It's our way of honoring their ancestral knowledge and connection to this animal," Nogales-Ascarrunz said about the name.

"Even in groups that are very well studied, like the cat family, apparently there's still a diversity that is hidden," Lescroart added.