Man Mistakes New Wild Cat Species for Stray Kitten

WHO:

The Independent - Scientists have identified a new tiger cat species named Leopardus tilcayo.

France24 - Bolivian biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, a National Geographic explorer, is one of the study’s lead authors.

WHAT:

The Independent - The discovery marks the first identification of a living feline species in over a century.

France24 - The newly identified species, Leopardus tilcayo, measures 45-50 cm long and weighs 1.4-2 kg.

France24 - The last formally identified feline species was the Uruguayan pampas cat in 1923.

The Independent - Researchers identified five distinct species of South American tiger cats through genome analysis.

WHERE:

The Independent - The new species was found in the Yungas region of Bolivia, where the Andes meet the Amazon basin.

France24 - The sanctuary where the cat was examined is located a couple of hours' drive from La Paz, Bolivia.

WHEN:

France24 - The findings were reported in the journal Current Biology on September 1, 2026.

WHY:

The Independent - Recognizing tiger cats as distinct species is crucial for their conservation due to threats like habitat loss and hunting.

France24 - The designation of the new species aims to help protect its forest habitat, which faces threats from deforestation and gold mining.

HOW:

The Independent - Researchers analyzed genomes collected from 38 felines across South America and compared them with genetic material from museum specimens.

France24 - The cat was initially thought to be a domestic kitten before being brought to the sanctuary by a local family who found it in the forest.

(UPDATED September 20, 2026 07:01 UTC)

Scientists have identified a new species of tiger cat named Leopardus tilcayo, marking the first identification of a living feline species in over a century. This discovery, led by Bolivian biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz and reported in the journal Current Biology, highlights the importance of recognizing distinct species for conservation efforts, especially as threats like habitat loss and hunting loom large. The new species was found in the Yungas region of Bolivia, where researchers analyzed genomes from 38 felines and discovered that this cat, initially mistaken for a domestic kitten, is crucial for protecting its forest habitat from deforestation and gold mining.