A diminutive wild cat that inhabits Bolivia’s cloud forest has been identified as a previously unknown species, marking the first time a new living cat species has been formally named and described in more than a century.
The cat, called Tilcayo by local communities, is part of a group called tiger cats found across much of South America. It was found in Bolivia’s lush Yungas forest, a mountainous region where forests are often covered by clouds and surrounded by high humidity, according to researchers. It measures about 18 inches (46 cm) long and weighs around 3 pounds (1.4 kg), making it smaller than the average domestic cat.
Researchers used genetic data to confirm that the cat is a new species, and gave it the scientific name Leopardus tilcayo, retaining its local name.
“Its fur is light brown … with irregularly shaped rosettes across its body,” said Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, a National Geographic Explorer and one of the authors of the study describing the newly identified species published on Thursday in the journal Current Biology.
Little is yet known about the cat’s biology and lifestyle. Remains of small rodents in scat samples suggest they may form part of its diet, while camera-trap evidence indicates it could be more active at night, Nogales-Ascarrunz said.
more recommended stories
AJMS Group Supports DDSC Across Compliance Systems ImplementationDubai: AJMS Group announces its ongoing.
Gaza School Year Begins with 541,000 Students Under Exceptional ConditionsGaza School Year Begins After Three-Year.
Japan tests robot trash bins at world’s busiest rail stationJapan’s busiest railway station is testing.
Japan’s Nikkei Rises 0.3% to 64,136 as Gaming and Pharma Stocks GainJapan’s Nikkei Ends Higher as Gaming.
European Stocks Rise After US Federal Reserve Interest Rate HikeLondon: European shares edged higher today.
King Charles says ‘our humanity must remain sacred’ as AI debate growsKing Charles III will urge global.
Oil Prices Extend Losses as Middle East Supply Concerns EaseOil Prices Fall as Middle East.
Dollar Rises to Seven-Week High After Fed Signals Further Rate HikesUS Dollar Hits Seven-Week High as.
Gold Climbs 1.1% to $4,310 as Markets Digest Fed Rate DecisionGold Prices Rise More Than 1%.
NASA scan discovers new, ‘once in a century’ Moon craterNASA researchers have identified a newly.