New wild cat species discovered – with only one known living member

Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized small wild cat from Bolivia, classifying it as a new species, Leopardus tilcayo, nicknamed "Tigrino." The discovery began when a 10-year-old spotted cat in a Bolivian wildlife sanctuary, originally thought to be a domestic kitten, drew attention for its unusual appearance and behavior. Genetic analyses of DNA from living individuals and museum specimens revealed that the animal is distinct from other tiger cats (small spotted felids found across Central and South America) that had long been confused with one another. The study, published in Current Biology, indicates there are likely five tiger cat species rather than the three previously recognized.

The finding has immediate conservation significance: only one confirmed living individual is known, and the species was absent from prior threat assessments. Tiger cats are vulnerable across their ranges because of deforestation, habitat loss and illegal hunting, and their near-identical markings plus scarce museum specimens have long made their taxonomy a "nightmare" for scientists. Recognizing Leopardus tilcayo increases the global Felidae count to about 44-45 species and underscores how much undiscovered biodiversity persists in less-studied regions like Bolivia’s Yungas, a fact researchers hope will spur targeted protection efforts.