Scientists Confirm New Andean Wildcat Species in Bolivia

Scientists Confirm New Andean Wildcat Species in Bolivia

Scientists have confirmed a distinct wildcat species, Leopardus tilcayo, in Bolivia's cloud forests, highlighting conservation concerns for its threatened habitat. Earlier reports described a previously unknown small spotted cat from a wildlife sanctuary in the Yungas region, the first new wildcat species named in more than a century. Subsequent genetic analysis confirmed the animal represents a separate species, expanding the diversity of South American felines and drawing attention from tourists visiting the sanctuary where the shy animal is kept out of public view.

Actors

Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz Tadeu de Oliveira National Geographic Current Biology research team of biologists

Locations

Yungas, Bolivia La Paz, Bolivia Andes Amazon basin

Articles

September 25, 2026
1 total
New Andean Wildcat Species Identified After Genetic Analysis
New Andean Wildcat Species Identified After Genetic Analysis

Futura, le média qui explore le monde • 25 Sep 18:39

Scientists have confirmed a distinct wildcat species, Leopardus tilcayo, in Bolivia's cloud forests, highlighting conservation concerns for its threatened habitat.

Credibility 72% Manip. 8% Center
September 21, 2026
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Newly Discovered Bolivian Wild Cat Species Draws Tourist Interest
Newly Discovered Bolivian Wild Cat Species Draws Tourist Interest

newser.com • 21 Sep 14:11

Scientists have identified a new small wild cat species in Bolivia's cloud forests, attracting visitors to a sanctuary where the shy animal is kept out of public view.

Credibility 71% Manip. 9% Center
September 19, 2026
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Scientists Identify New Small Wild Cat Species in Bolivia's Cloud Forest
Scientists Identify New Small Wild Cat Species in Bolivia's Cloud Forest

The Independent • 19 Sep 11:50

Genetic analysis has revealed Leopardus tilcayo as a distinct tiger-cat species in Bolivia, prompting calls for species-specific conservation measures.

Credibility 72% Manip. 7% Center
September 18, 2026
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Newly identified wild cat species discovered in Bolivia's Yungas forest
Newly identified wild cat species discovered in Bolivia's Yungas forest

PBS • 18 Sep 22:45

Scientists have described a previously unknown small spotted cat, Leopardus tilcayo, from a Bolivian wildlife sanctuary, marking the first new wild cat species named in over a century.

Credibility 78% Manip. 8% Center
New wild cat species identified in Bolivia's Yungas region
New wild cat species identified in Bolivia's Yungas region

CBS News • 18 Sep 12:50

Researchers have described a previously unknown small wild cat, Leopardus tilcayo, in Bolivia, marking the first new feline species discovery in over a century.

Credibility 72% Manip. 7% Center
September 17, 2026
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New Bolivian spotted cat identified as distinct species
New Bolivian spotted cat identified as distinct species

BBC • 17 Sep 23:15

Scientists have confirmed that a spotted wildcat from Bolivia represents a previously unknown species, adding to the diversity of small South American felines and highlighting conservation needs.

Credibility 78% Manip. 7% Center
Scientists Describe New Wild Cat Species in Bolivia's Cloud Forest
Scientists Describe New Wild Cat Species in Bolivia's Cloud Forest

NBC News • 17 Sep 15:01

Researchers have formally identified Leopardus tilcayo, a small spotted cat native to Bolivia's Yungas cloud forest, marking the first new wild cat species described in a century.

Credibility 78% Manip. 7% Center