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Senda Verde Finds New Wild Cat Species in Peru

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 3:14 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Senda Verde Discovers Cat

Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary announced discovery of a new wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo.
Researchers published the finding in Current Biology on Thursday, the first wild cat described in over a century.
The cat, nicknamed Tigrino, measures 46 cm, weighs 1.4 kg, and is smaller than a typical house cat.
Co-founder Marcelo Levy says Tigrino, a conservation ambassador, is kept hidden because crowds stress him.

Summary

IUCN Reassesses Tigers

IUCN will reassess tiger-cat lineages and may list Leopardus tilcayo as endangered.
Scientists identified a new tiger-cat subspecies in Peru’s Yungas, naming it Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo.
Genetic analysis shows the tilcayo lineage diverged from other tiger cats about 1.4 million years ago.
The study urges restoring fire-damaged forest and preserving corridors to protect the cloud-forest habitat.
Researchers examined DNA from 38 South American cats, including eight museum specimens, to resolve taxonomy.

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Senda Verde Discovers Cat

Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary announced discovery of a new wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo.
Researchers published the finding in Current Biology on Thursday, the first wild cat described in over a century.
The cat, nicknamed Tigrino, measures 46 cm, weighs 1.4 kg, and is smaller than a typical house cat.
Co-founder Marcelo Levy says Tigrino, a conservation ambassador, is kept hidden because crowds stress him.

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