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Bolivian scientists confirm new wild cat species Leopardus tilcayo

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 2:03 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Bolivian Researchers Discover Cat

Bolivian researchers confirmed a new wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo, in the Yungas forest.
Professor Eduardo Eizirik’s team published the discovery in Current Biology on September 17, 2026.
DNA analysis shows L. tilcayo diverged about 1.4 million years ago from other tiger cats.
Researchers compared whole genomes from eight fossils and over 30 South American wild cats.
Scientists warn mining, deforestation and illegal pet trade could endanger the new cat.

Summary

Caretakers Limit Access

Tourists flock to Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary to see Tigrino, the newly publicized cat.
Caretakers deliberately limit public access because Tigrino becomes easily stressed.
Marcelo Levy, co-founder, calls Tigrino an ambassador raising conservation awareness.
Visitors from Bolivia and abroad travel to the Yungas site near Coroico.
Social-media buzz after a Current Biology paper amplified demand for sightings despite limited viewing.

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Bolivian Researchers Discover Cat

Bolivian researchers confirmed a new wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo, in the Yungas forest.
Professor Eduardo Eizirik’s team published the discovery in Current Biology on September 17, 2026.
DNA analysis shows L. tilcayo diverged about 1.4 million years ago from other tiger cats.
Researchers compared whole genomes from eight fossils and over 30 South American wild cats.
Scientists warn mining, deforestation and illegal pet trade could endanger the new cat.

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