Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Bolivia’s Newly Identified Wild Cat Becomes Conservation Attraction
Scientists found that a small wild cat in Bolivia is different from other tiger cats.
They named the new species Leopardus tilcayo.
Local people call the cat Tilcayo, while sanctuary workers call him Tigrino.
He has lived in a wildlife sanctuary since 2017.
Many visitors want to see him, but caretakers keep him hidden because crowds can make him nervous.
Researchers learned about the species by studying its DNA and comparing it with other cats.
Very little is known about how these cats live, hunt or reproduce.
Protecting the forests where they live may help prevent the species from disappearing.
Scientists identified the Bolivian tiger cat as a new species named Leopardus tilcayo.
The approximately 3-pound cat, called Tigrino, has lived at Senda Verde since 2017.
Researchers analyzed DNA from 38 cats and found five genetically distinct tiger-cat species.
Tigrino attracts visitors but is kept away from public view because he becomes easily stressed.
Deforestation, fires, farming and mining threaten the Yungas habitat where the species lives.
- Who
- Researchers, Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary caretakers and local communities are involved; the individual cat is a 10-year-old male called Tigrino or Tilcayo.
- What
- Scientists formally identified a new tiger-cat species, Leopardus tilcayo.
- When
- The cat has lived at the sanctuary since 2017; the study was published Thursday, and an Associated Press visit occurred Sunday.
- Where
- The species lives in Bolivia’s Yungas forest, and one known individual is at Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary near La Paz.
- Why
- Genetic analysis showed the Bolivian tiger cat is distinct, while habitat protection is needed because the Yungas faces deforestation, fires, agricultural expansion and mining.
- Scientific name
- Leopardus tilcayo
- Local names
- Tilcayo and Tigrino
- Size
- About 18 inches (46 centimetres) from head to the base of the tail
- Weight
- Around 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms)
- Genetic finding
- Researchers analyzed 38 cats and identified five genetically distinct tiger-cat species
- Lineage separation
- The Tilcayo lineage separated from other tiger cats about 1.4 million years ago
- Habitat
- Bolivia’s Yungas, a mountainous tropical cloud-forest region
- Conservation concern
- The species’ independent IUCN assessment could potentially classify it as endangered