AI Image
New species of wild cat discovered for first time in more than a century, researcher says
CBS News • • world
Key Points:
- Scientists have discovered a new species of wild cat, the Tilcayo tiger cat (Leopardus tilcayo), in Bolivia's Yungas region near La Paz, marking the first wild cat species identified in over a century.
- The Tilcayo tiger cat, slightly smaller than a domestic cat with a spotted, leopard-like coat and rounded ears, was previously mistaken by locals for a house cat.
- Only two individuals have been found so far, with whole genome sequencing performed on both; one male is currently in an animal shelter, and a female was rescued and released after an attack by locals.
- The discovery was published in the journal Current Biology, with research beginning in 2021, and the species is currently classified as vulnerable but may soon face a higher risk of extinction due to its limited population.
- The Tilcayo tiger cat has only been detected in Bolivia and is not known to exist anywhere else in the world.
