Bolivia Wild Cat Named New Species Leopardus Tilcayo
Scientists identified a new wild cat species in Bolivia. It lives in Bolivia's Yungas cloud forest.
They formally named it Leopardus tilcayo. This is the first new cat species named in over a century.
Local communities already called the cat tilcayo. The spotted cat was long mistaken for related species.
A local man found it as a kitten in 2016. He believed it was a domestic cat.
Genetic testing later showed it was different. It belongs to a group called tiger cats.
Tiger cats live across much of South America. The new species is smaller than an average domestic cat.
Only one living member is currently known. It lives at Bolivia's Senda Verde animal refuge.
Little is known about the species in the wild. The study appeared in the journal Current Biology.
Key Terms 5
- Leopardus tilcayo The new wild cat species' official scientific name.
- Yungas cloud forest A misty mountain forest region in Bolivia.
- tiger cats A group of small wild cats found across South America.
- Senda Verde An animal refuge in Bolivia caring for rescued wildlife.
- Current Biology A scientific journal that publishes research studies.