New Wild ‘Tiger Cat’ Species Discovered — with Only 1 Known Living Member

**New Wild Cat Species Discovered in Bolivia: Meet the Tilcayo**

In a remarkable discovery, scientists have identified a new species of wild cat in Bolivia, marking the first addition to the cat family in over a century. This newly classified feline, named Leopardus tilcayo, adds to the biodiversity of the region, although only one living specimen has been confirmed to date.

The tilcayo is a small creature, smaller than the average domestic cat, adorned with distinctive leopard-like markings, petite round ears, and long whiskers that lend it an amusingly scrunched appearance. The announcement of this new species comes after extensive research published in the journal Current Biology, reigniting interest in feline conservation.

The tale of the tilcayo began in 2016 when biologist and National Geographic Explorer Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz received a call from the Senda Verde wildlife sanctuary, located on the outskirts of the Andes. A local resident had rescued the cat in kittenhood, initially believing it to be a domestic breed. After realising the animal was actually wild, he decided to transfer it to a sanctuary for its protection.

Nogales-Ascarrunz’s initial encounters with the cat were filled with fascination. “I took a hundred pictures of it,” she shared with National Geographic, indicating her eagerness to document the animal. At that moment, she presumed the cat belonged to the species known as Leopardus tigrinus, commonly referred to as oncillas or tiger cats. However, her perspective changed in 2019 when she recognised that the unique markings of the cat did not correlate with those of reference images of that species.

In collaboration with Jonas Lescroart from the University of Antwerp and Eduardo Eizirik, a geneticist from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, Nogales-Ascarrunz embarked on a deeper investigation into the cat’s classification. Their research underscored the significance of local knowledge, as the indigenous populace referred to the cat as tilcayo, leading the researchers to adopt this name for formal recognition.

Currently, the tilcayo is known to inhabit the Yungas forest region of Bolivia. Despite the excitement surrounding its discovery, numerous questions remain unanswered regarding this elusive species. Scientists are keen to learn more about its diet, behaviour, and reproductive patterns.

Interestingly, the discovery of the tilcayo could have far-reaching implications for the field of mammalogy. It provides researchers a new lens through which to examine existing species. The findings suggest that Leopardus tigrinus may not be a single species but may instead comprise a complex of five distinct species.

“Previously thought to be one species, we are now reevaluating it as a species complex,” Eizirik explained, illustrating the importance of this discovery in understanding feline diversity globally.

The tilcayo not only highlights the richness of Bolivia’s wildlife but also calls for increased appreciation and conservation efforts for lesser-known species. With continued research, there is potential for discovering even more hidden gems within the feline family tree. As awareness grows around species like the tilcayo, so too does the urgency to protect their natural habitats and ensure their survival for future generations.

In summary, the discovery of Leopardus tilcayo serves as a reminder of the unexplored biodiversity that remains and the importance of dedicated research in the field of wildlife conservation. As scientists tread further into the ecological landscapes of Bolivia, one wonders what other secrets the wilderness may still hold.