New tiger cat species identified in Bolivia, first in over a century
Also reported by Guardian World
Summary
Scientists have identified a new wild cat species in Bolivia’s cloud forests, the first new living feline species named in over 100 years. The small cat, called tilcayo by locals and Leopardus tilcayo scientifically, is part of the tiger cat group found in South America.Key Facts
- The tilcayo lives in Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests, a humid, mountainous area.
- It is about 46 cm (18 inches) long and weighs around 1.4 kg (3 pounds), smaller than the average house cat.
- Its light brown fur has irregular rosettes (spot patterns).
- Researchers studied DNA from 38 tiger cats across South America and identified five distinct species.
- The tilcayo has been genetically separate from other tiger cats for about 1.4 million years.
- The cat appears more active at night and may eat small rodents.
- A new tiger cat subspecies was also identified in Peru’s Yungas region and named Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo.
- The discovery was published in the scientific journal Current Biology.
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