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A previously unknown wild cat species has been formally identified in Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests. Locally known as tilcayo, the cat has been scientifically named Leopardus tilcayo. It is reportedly the first new living cat species to be formally described in more than a century, following confirmation through genetic analysis.
About Leopardus tilcayo
Leopardus tilcayo belongs to the tiger cat group (Leopardus), a group of small wild cats found across much of South America. It inhabits the Yungas, a mountainous region characterised by dense forests, high humidity and frequent cloud cover.
The cat is approximately 46 cm long and weighs around 1.4 kg, making it smaller than an average domestic cat. Researchers used genetic data to establish that it represents a distinct species and retained the local name tilcayo in its scientific designation.
Source: The Hindu
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