New Wildcat Species Found in Bolivia | Bolivia News

Bolivia News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Sep 19, 2026 · 1m

A brand-new wildcat species has been officially discovered in Bolivia’s misty cloud forests — a hidden gem named Leopardus tilcayo, after the local indigenous term. Found ten years ago as a lost kitten rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, genetic analysis revealed it’s entirely unique, not related to any known wildcat. This discovery, the first of its kind in over a century, highlights how much remains unknown in remote ecosystems and underscores the vital role of local knowledge. Scientists are now racing to learn about its population, behavior, and habitat needs — all while recognizing…