The first new wild cat species identified in over a century lives in Bolivia
In short: For decades, the tilcayo was a ghost in the mountains, known to locals but dismissed by science as just another tiger cat. A 2026 genomic study finally confirmed this elusive feline is a distinct species, marking the first time a living cat has been formally described since 1923.
The tilcayo, or Leopardus tilcayo, was brought to light through a massive genetic analysis of 38 South and Central American cats. Evolutionary ecologist Jonas Lescroart, who co-led the study, described it as the most comprehensive genetic investigation of tiger cats to date. The data suggests that the tilcayo diverged from its relatives more than 1.4 million years ago, evolving into a cryptic species that remains remarkably similar in appearance to the oncilla.
The path to discovery began in 2017 when biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz encountered a cat at the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary. The animal had been kept as a pet by a man in La Paz who mistakenly thought it was a domestic kitten, even attempting to feed it a diet of noodles, rice, and eggs. Nogales-Ascarrunz initially photographed the cat as a unique-looking oncilla, but her later work with the Higher University of San Andrés (UMSA) eventually proved its genetic independence.
While the species is native to the cloud forests of the Bolivian Andes, its future is uncertain. The tilcayo faces significant pressures from habitat loss, deforestation, and mining. Furthermore, local conflicts arise when these cats prey on poultry, leading to hunting, while the illegal pet trade remains a persistent threat. As of September 2026, the IUCN has not yet provided an official conservation status, though researchers are calling for urgent studies into its population and distribution to prevent this newly recognized predator from vanishing.
The name itself carries a local legacy. While early reports suggested the origin of 'tilcayo' was unknown, native Aymara speakers have since suggested it likely derives from 't'ili kayu,' meaning 'tiny foot.' This name has been passed down through generations in the Yungas region, serving as a reminder that local knowledge often precedes scientific validation.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Tilcayo
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