New cat species identified in Bolivia, first in over a century

A ⁠diminutive wild cat that inhabits Bolivia’s cloud forest has been identified as ⁠a previously unknown species, marking the first time a new living cat species has been formally named and described in more than a century.

The cat, called Tilcayo by local communities, is part of a group called tiger cats found across much of South America.

It was found in Bolivia’s lush Yungas forest, a mountainous region where forests are often covered by clouds and surrounded by high humidity, according to researchers. It measures about 18 inches (46cm) long and ‌weighs around three pounds (1.4 kg), making it smaller than the average domestic cat.

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