New Wild Cat Species Identified in Bolivia After Over a Century

Scientists have identified a previously unknown species of wild cat in Bolivia, marking the first time a new living feline species has been formally named and described in more than a century, according to The Guardian World. The cat, known locally as 'tilcayo,' is smaller than the average domestic cat, measuring about 18 inches (46 cm) in length and weighing around 3 pounds (1.4 kg). It inhabits the Yungas forest, a cloud-covered region in Bolivia known for its high humidity and lush vegetation. The discovery was confirmed through genetic analysis, which revealed that the cat had been living at a wildlife sanctuary for years without being classified as a distinct species. The feline belongs to the group of tiger cats found across South America. While other sources such as Sky News World, Al Jazeera English, and France24 English also reported the discovery, they did not provide additional details beyond the confirmation of the new species. This finding highlights the importance of continued biodiversity research in remote and poorly studied regions.