A new species of cat has been identified in Bolivia. Called the "tilcayo" by local communities, it is a wild cat smaller than the common domestic cat.
The animal lives in the Yungas rainforest, but has only recently been recognized, marking the first time in more than a century that a new living cat species has been officially recognized and described. One of the first certified specimens of the tilcayo has been named “Tigrino.” Researchers have been studying this specimen, a male living in the Senda Verde Reserve, for 10 years.
This cat is part of a group of tiger-like cats found across much of South America. The Yungas forest in Bolivia is a mountainous region between 1,500 and 2,000 meters above sea level, where tropical forests are often covered in clouds and high humidity.
The Tilcayo is about 46 cm (18 in) tall and weighs an average of 1.4 kg (3.1 lb). Its fur is light brown with irregular spots all over its body. Little is known about the biology and lifestyle of this cat.
How was the discovery made?
The team analyzed the DNA of 38 tabby cats collected from various locations in South America, including 8 museum specimens. The study found that tabby cats are actually 5 genetically distinct species.
"We never expected this Bolivian tiger cat to be a separate species, and no one had ever proposed considering it a separate animal, subspecies or otherwise," the experts said. ©LAPSI.al
