Researchers Discover First New Wild Cat Species in a Century

WHO:

The Guardian - Dr. Jonas Lescroart, an evolutionary biologist and study co-lead author from the University of Antwerp in Belgium, stated, “Our information at this moment is limited to the two live individuals that we examined, and a small number of camera-trap records.”

NBC News - Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz stated, “This cat, they call it Tilcayo. And when you ask, ‘Does it have some meaning in Quechua or Almyra and other indigenous languages?’ they say, ‘No, my grandpa told me that’s the Tilcayo.’”

NBC News - Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz stated, “No one else had named it. No one else had described it.”

NBC News - Tadeu de Oliveira noted, “We didn’t have specimens in museums. It had never been collected before.”

NBC News - Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz stated, “This time, it’s a cat. That’s really novel. And it hasn’t happened in 100 years.”

NBC News - Tadeu de Oliveira remarked, “All of them are in habitats that are vanishing fast.”

NBC News - Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, co-author of the study and leader of the Programa de Investigación de Félidos Bolivia (Bolivian Felid Research and Conservation Program).

NBC News - Tadeu de Oliveira, co-author of the study and ecologist at the State University of Maranhão in Brazil.

IJR - Scientists involved in the genetic analysis across South America.

WHAT:

The Guardian - The study found that the tilcayo lineage separated from other tiger cats about 1.4 million years ago, indicating sufficient genetic distance to classify it as a new species.

The Guardian - The research team described a new tiger cat subspecies in Peru’s Yungas region, naming it Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo after Antisuyu, the region of the old Inca empire that included the area it inhabits.

NBC News - The study describing Leopardus tilcayo was published in the journal Current Biology on a Thursday.

ABC News - The cat weighs roughly five pounds, is spotted with a slender body, and has a light brown coat patterned with dark rosettes.

The Guardian - The Tilcayo tiger cat measures about 18 inches (46 cm) long and weighs about 3 pounds (1.4 kg), making it smaller than the average domestic cat.

The Guardian - The research team described a new tiger cat subspecies in Peru’s Yungas region, naming it Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo after Antisuyu, the region of the old Inca empire.

The Guardian - Genetic analysis suggested that the tilcayo lineage separated from other tiger cats about 1.4 million years ago.

The Guardian - The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently treats tiger cats as two “vulnerable” species with declining populations.

The Guardian - The researchers have shared their findings with the IUCN, whose upcoming review will assess the five lineages separately, potentially classifying species like the tilcayo as endangered.

NBC News - The study describing Leopardus tilcayo was published in the journal Current Biology on a Thursday.

The Guardian - Camera-trap evidence indicates that the Tilcayo tiger cat could be more active at night.

The Guardian - The study found that remains of small rodents in scat samples suggest they may form part of the Tilcayo tiger cat's diet.

NBC News - The researchers described a new tiger cat subspecies in Peru’s Yungas region, naming it Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo after Antisuyu, the region of the old Inca empire.

ABC News - The cat weighs roughly five pounds, is spotted with a slender body, and has a light brown coat patterned with dark rosettes.

The Guardian - A tilcayo cat, the only known individual of the newly identified species, was photographed at the Senda Verde animal refuge in the Yungas region of Bolivia on 1 September 2026.

The Guardian - The cat is described as having a light brown coat with irregularly shaped rosettes across its body.

The Guardian - The study found that remains of small rodents in scat samples suggest they may form part of the Tilcayo tiger cat's diet.

The Guardian - Camera-trap evidence indicates that the Tilcayo tiger cat could be more active at night.

The Guardian - The study analyzed DNA from 38 cats sampled across several South American countries, including eight museum specimens.

The Guardian - The Tilcayo tiger cat measures about 18 inches (46 cm) long and weighs about 3 pounds (1.4 kg), making it smaller than the average domestic cat.

The Guardian - The study found that genetic analysis suggested the tilcayo lineage separated from other tiger cats about 1.4 million years ago.

The Guardian - The research team described a new tiger cat subspecies in Peru’s Yungas region, naming it Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo after Antisuyu, the region of the old Inca empire.

The Guardian - The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently treats tiger cats as two “vulnerable” species with declining populations.

NBC News - The discovery of Leopardus tilcayo is considered significant as it is the first new wild cat species identified in a century, with the species being completely novel to scientists.

NBC News - The discovery of Leopardus tilcayo is considered a significant event as it is the first new wild cat species identified in a century.

NBC News - The study indicates that there are five tiger cat species in South America, including a subspecies of L. tigrinus called antisuyo.

NBC News - The genetic testing revealed that the two cats were unique and from the same species, which had diverged from other tiger cat lineages about 1.4 million years ago.

NBC News - The Tilcayo tiger cat is described as having rounded ears and is smaller than a typical house cat.

NBC News - The cat was initially mistaken for a domestic kitten by a local man who had fed it noodles, rice, and eggs before bringing it to the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary.

NBC News - The discovery of Leopardus tilcayo is considered a significant event as it is the first new wild cat species identified in a century.

NBC News - Researchers identified a new species of wild cat, named Leopardus tilcayo, or the Tilcayo tiger cat.

NBC News - The Tilcayo tiger cat is described as slender, spotted, and smaller than a typical house cat.

IJR - The study notes a broader reclassification that recognizes five tiger cat species in South America, including a subspecies of L. tigrinus called antisuyo.

NBC News - The population size of Leopardus tilcayo is currently unclear.

WHERE:

The Guardian - A tilcayo cat, the only known individual of the newly identified species, was photographed at the Senda Verde animal refuge in the Yungas region of Bolivia on 1 September 2026.

NBC News - The Tilcayo tiger cat is found in the Bolivian Yungas, a cloud forest region where the Andes mountains meet the Amazon basin.

NBC News - The Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary near La Paz, Bolivia, is where the first specimen was brought.

NBC News - The Tilcayo tiger cat is found in the Bolivian Yungas, a cloud forest region where the Andes mountains meet the Amazon basin.

NBC News - The Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary near La Paz, Bolivia, is where the first specimen was brought.

WHEN:

NBC News - The species was described for the first time in the journal Current Biology on a Thursday.

NBC News - The genetic divergence of Leopardus tilcayo from other tiger cat lineages occurred about 1.4 million years ago.

WHY:

The Guardian - The mountain forests in the Yungas face growing pressure from deforestation, agricultural expansion, human-caused fires, and mining, making restoration and protection urgent priorities.

NBC News - Nogales-Ascarrunz emphasized the importance of preserving traditional knowledge about the species within local communities, stating, “We want to preserve that knowledge and we didn’t want to give it another name.”

NBC News - Nogales-Ascarrunz emphasized the need for more studies to determine the population size of Leopardus tilcayo, stating, “We need science, we need more studies to answer this question, which is actually critical for its conservation.”

NBC News - Nogales-Ascarrunz emphasized the need for more studies to determine the population size of Leopardus tilcayo, stating, “We really don’t know how many cats are still in the wild.”

NBC News - The identification of Leopardus tilcayo emphasizes the need for conservation efforts due to the challenges faced by tiger cats from development and agriculture.

NBC News - The discovery of Leopardus tilcayo highlights the need for conservation efforts as tiger cats face challenges from development and agriculture.

NBC News - Local communities in Bolivia have been aware of the species for generations, referring to it as Tilcayo.

HOW:

The Guardian - The research team analyzed DNA from 38 cats sampled across several South American countries, including eight museum specimens.

NBC News - Genetic testing was conducted using tissue from the tiger cat and another animal that was also found at the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Guardian - The research team analyzed DNA from 38 cats sampled across several South American countries, including eight museum specimens.

The Guardian - The research team used genetic data to confirm that the cat is a new species and gave it the scientific name Leopardus tilcayo, retaining its local name.

NBC News - Genetic testing revealed that the two cats were unique and from the same species, which had diverged from other tiger cat lineages about 1.4 million years ago, indicating sufficient genetic distance to classify it as a new species.

NBC News - Genetic testing was conducted using tissue from the tiger cat and a second animal that also turned up at Senda Verde.

NBC News - Genetic testing revealed that Leopardus tilcayo diverged from other tiger cat lineages about 1.4 million years ago, indicating sufficient genetic distance to classify it as a new species.

NBC News - Genetic testing was conducted using tissue from the tiger cat and another animal that was also found at the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary.

NBC News - The identification of the new species was aided by Nogales-Ascarrunz's observations and skepticism about the initial classification of the cat.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 15:59 UTC)

A new tiger cat subspecies has been identified in Peru's Yungas region, named Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo, after the historical Antisuyu area of the Inca empire. The tilcayo lineage, which separated from other tiger cats about 1.4 million years ago, was confirmed through DNA analysis of 38 cats across South America, including eight museum specimens. The only known individual of this newly classified species was photographed at the Senda Verde animal refuge in Bolivia on September 1, 2026, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts in the face of threats like deforestation and mining.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 13:01 UTC)

A new subspecies of tiger cat, named Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo, has been identified in Peru’s Yungas region, with findings published in the journal Current Biology. This small cat, weighing about five pounds and measuring around 18 inches long, is characterized by its slender body and light brown coat adorned with dark rosettes, and it was first discovered at the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary in Bolivia. As the International Union for Conservation of Nature prepares to review the status of tiger cats, researchers emphasize the urgent need for conservation efforts due to threats like deforestation and agricultural expansion in their cloud forest habitat.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 11:57 UTC)

Researchers have identified a new subspecies of tiger cat in Peru's Yungas region, naming it Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo after the historic Antisuyu area of the Inca empire. The study, published in the journal Current Biology, reveals that the Tilcayo tiger cat may be more active at night and includes small rodents in its diet, as indicated by scat samples. As the mountain forests face increasing threats from deforestation and human activities, the need for urgent restoration and protection efforts has become critical.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 07:57 UTC)

A tilcayo cat, the only known individual of this newly identified species, was photographed at the Senda Verde animal refuge in the Yungas region of Bolivia on September 1, 2026. This unique cat weighs roughly five pounds, has a slender body, and features a light brown coat patterned with dark rosettes. Researchers analyzed DNA from 38 cats across several South American countries, including eight museum specimens, highlighting the urgent need for restoration and protection of the mountain forests in the Yungas, which are threatened by deforestation and other human activities.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 03:59 UTC)

A new species of cat has been identified in the mountain forests of the Yungas, named Leopardus tilcayo, based on genetic data from 38 samples, including eight from museums. This light brown cat, characterized by its irregularly shaped rosettes, appears to be more active at night and may include small rodents in its diet, as suggested by scat analysis. The urgent need for restoration and protection of these forests is underscored by the increasing threats from deforestation, agricultural expansion, human-caused fires, and mining activities.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 02:07 UTC)

Researchers have identified a new subspecies of tiger cat in Peru's Yungas region, naming it Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo, after the ancient Inca region of Antisuyu. This small cat measures about 18 inches long and weighs about 3 pounds, and genetic analysis indicates that its lineage separated from other tiger cats around 1.4 million years ago. With the International Union for Conservation of Nature considering the tilcayo for potential endangered status due to threats like deforestation and agricultural expansion, the need for urgent conservation efforts in the mountain forests is more critical than ever.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 01:21 UTC)

A groundbreaking discovery has been made with the identification of a new wild cat species named Leopardus tilcayo, marking the first addition to the wild cat family in a century. NBC News reported that genetic testing confirmed these cats are distinct from other tiger cat lineages, having diverged approximately 1.4 million years ago, which justifies their classification as a new species. Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz highlighted the importance of preserving traditional knowledge about the cat within local communities, emphasizing that they chose to keep the name Tilcayo as passed down from her grandfather.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 23:57 UTC)

A significant discovery has been made with the identification of Leopardus tilcayo, marking the first new wild cat species recognized in a century. NBC News reported that Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz highlighted the uniqueness of this find, stating, “No one else had named it. No one else had described it,” while Tadeu de Oliveira pointed out that no specimens had ever been collected before. Nogales-Ascarrunz also stressed the importance of further research to assess the population size of Leopardus tilcayo, emphasizing, “We need science, we need more studies to answer this question, which is actually critical for its conservation.”

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 22:58 UTC)

A groundbreaking study has identified five tiger cat species in South America, including a unique subspecies known as antisuyo, with genetic testing revealing that two of these cats diverged from other lineages around 1.4 million years ago. Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz highlighted the novelty of this discovery, noting that it's the first time in a century that such findings have emerged, while Tadeu de Oliveira pointed out the urgent need for conservation as these habitats are rapidly disappearing. Nogales-Ascarrunz also stressed the importance of further research to assess the population size of Leopardus tilcayo, admitting, “We really don’t know how many cats are still in the wild.”

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 20:02 UTC)

A new wild cat species, named Leopardus tilcayo, has been identified, marking the first discovery of its kind in a century. This small cat, which has rounded ears and is even smaller than a typical house cat, was initially mistaken for a domestic kitten by a local man who fed it before bringing it to the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary. Genetic testing has shown that this species diverged from other tiger cat lineages around 1.4 million years ago, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts as these unique animals face challenges from development and agriculture.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 19:03 UTC)

Researchers have identified a new species of wild cat named Leopardus tilcayo, or the Tilcayo tiger cat, which is described as slender, spotted, and smaller than a typical house cat. This discovery, made in the Bolivian Yungas where the Andes mountains meet the Amazon basin, highlights the need for conservation efforts as tiger cats face threats from development and agriculture. The species was first described in the journal Current Biology, and its genetic divergence from other tiger cat lineages occurred about 1.4 million years ago, with local communities in Bolivia having referred to it as Tilcayo for generations.