Scientists in Bolivia have identified a new species of wild feline, named Leopardus tilcayo, following genomic studies that revealed evolutionary differences from other South American tiger cats. The discovery was made in the cloud forests of the Yungas, in the department of La Paz.

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The tilcayo—a name used by local communities in the region—is a small animal, similar in size to a domestic cat. It is brown in color, with rounded ears, a bushy tail, and a spotted coat. Its identification was made possible through genetic analyses conducted by a scientific team that contributed to the discovery in September.

Biologist Enzo Aliaga, a member of the research team, warned that the species faces risks that could lead to its extinction. Among the primary threats, he highlighted habitat destruction caused by gold mining, the clearing of vegetation for agriculture, and the capture of individuals to be kept as pets.

“It is imperative to protect this unique species,” Aliaga stated to the digital news outlet Erbol, noting that the feline’s habits and reproductive patterns remain unknown.

🔵 #GrupoFides | #ANF Un equipo internacional de científicos identificó en los Yungas de Bolivia una nueva especie de felino silvestre, el Leopardus tilcayo o gato tilcayo. Se trata de la primera descripción de un nuevo gato salvaje en más de un siglo, hallado a partir del… pic.twitter.com/H9TgaSzNcl

— Agencia de Noticias Fides (@noticiasfides) September 17, 2026

The text reads, “An international team of scientists identified in the Yungas of Bolivia a new species of wild feline, the Leopardus tilcayo or tilcayo cat. This is the first description of a new wild cat in over a century, discovered through DNA analysis and described this Thursday in the journal Current Biology.”

The specialist also raised concerns regarding the trafficking of young animals: to obtain a young tilcayo, individuals might kill the mother, while the offspring could subsequently die in captivity due to malnutrition or other diseases.

To date, experts have not determined the total population of tilcayos in the Yungas forests, nor have they fully mapped their distribution. Consequently, researchers are pushing for further studies to expand knowledge about the species and strengthen the protection of its habitat.

#FromTheSouth News Bits | Luis Montaño has temporarily assumed the role of Acting Attorney General. The official announced the news to the nation from the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Santa Cruz, eastern Bolivia. pic.twitter.com/sEfVVSKKIH

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 4, 2026

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