New cat species found, first in more than 100 years

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New cat species found, first in more than 100 years. (2026, September 18). Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/9/18/new-cat-species-found-first-in-more-than-100-years?traffic_source=rss

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Quick Summary

Scientists have identified a new species of living cat in Bolivia’s Yungas forest, the first discovery of its kind in over a century. This small cat weighs about 3 pounds and is approximately 18 inches long, making it similar in size to a housecat but belonging specifically to the tiger cat group. Locally, it is known as Tilcayo.

Written by AI on 2026-09-18, from this article's own text only (the story summary below draws on all the coverage).

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Story summary

Summary of New Feline Species Discovery

Species Name: Leopardus tilcayo (Tilcayo Cat)
Location: Yungas cloud forest in Bolivia
Size: Weighs up to 3 pounds, approximately 18 inches long
Appearance: Light brown fur with irregularly shaped rosettes similar to a leopard's spots, small scrunched-up face, small and round ears, and long whiskers.
Discovery: Initially mistaken for other wild cats due to its similarity in appearance; confirmed as a new species through genetic analysis by researchers including Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz of Universidad Mayor de San Andres in La Paz, Bolivia.
Significance: First living feline species identified in over 100 years, highlighting the importance of continued conservation efforts for lesser-known species like tiger cats.

Additional Insights

The tilcayo cat was initially kept as a pet by a local family due to its small size before being transferred to Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary.
It belongs to a group of South American felines known as tiger cats, which are found across Central and South America but receive less attention than larger species like lions or leopards.
The discovery aims to raise awareness about the conservation needs of these elusive smaller cat species.

Written for “New Cat Species Bolivia” on 2026-11-03, grounded in this article and the 16 other(s) covering the same event.

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📰 New Cat Species Bolivia

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