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Stunned scientists discover new wild cat species after a century-see the photos
Futura, le média qui explore le monde • • world
Key Points:
- In 2016, biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz was contacted about a small wildcat found near the Bolivian Andes, initially thought to be a domestic cat but later identified as a distinct species.
- The cat, measuring about 18 inches and weighing 3 pounds, had unique large rosette markings that differed from known tiger cats like the oncilla.
- Genetic studies revealed this animal, named Leopardus tilcayo after the local term, diverged from other tiger cats around 1.4 million years ago, marking it as a new species previously unnoticed by science.
- Despite its scientific discovery, locals were familiar with the Tilcayo, highlighting how cryptic species can evade formal recognition even when known to indigenous communities.
- Conservation concerns arise as the Tilcayo's habitat in the Yungas cloud forest faces threats from human activities, emphasizing the urgency to study and protect this potentially vulnerable species.
