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Scientists Identify New Bolivia Cat Species, Leopardus tilcayo

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 12:39 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Scientists led by Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz (National Geographic Explorer) identified a new cat species in Bolivia’s Yungas.
The species Leopardus tilcayo is about 18 inches (46 cm) long and weighs roughly 3 pounds (1.4 kg).
Evolutionary biologist Jonas Lescroart (University of Antwerp) says DNA shows Tilcayo diverged 1.4 million years ago.
Deforestation, agriculture, fires and mining threaten the Yungas forest, prompting scientists to call for habitat restoration and corridors.

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Story summary

Scientists led by Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz (National Geographic Explorer) identified a new cat species in Bolivia’s Yungas.
The species Leopardus tilcayo is about 18 inches (46 cm) long and weighs roughly 3 pounds (1.4 kg).
Evolutionary biologist Jonas Lescroart (University of Antwerp) says DNA shows Tilcayo diverged 1.4 million years ago.
Deforestation, agriculture, fires and mining threaten the Yungas forest, prompting scientists to call for habitat restoration and corridors.