It was thought to be domestic, but it surprised the scientific world: a new cat species was discovered 100 years later.

In Bolivia, a discovery that has thrilled the scientific community has been announced. In the Yungas forests, an animal that had long been thought to be a domestic cat and kept as a household pet has been identified as belonging to a previously undefined new species. Genetic analyses have confirmed the type “Leopardus tilcayowas named.

Found on the street, lived at home for a year

The discovery of the new species began with an unusual story. The wild cat was spotted by a citizen while wandering alone on a trail near Bolivia’s Yungas forests.

The person who thought the animal was an ordinary domestic cat brought it home and fed it for about a year. However, later deciding that it would be more appropriate for the cat to be in its natural habitat, the person handed the animal over to a wildlife center.

Following the tip that reached the center, biologist Paola Nogales‑Ascarrunz launched an investigation. Noticing that the cat’s physical traits differed from other species, Nogales‑Ascarrunz began the research process by photographing the animal hundreds of times.

Appears as a Miniature Leopard

The Leopardus tilcayo, measuring about 46 centimeters long and weighing 1.4 kilograms, is even smaller than an average domestic cat.

The cat, with a light brown coat and slender body, is covered in spot‑shaped markings reminiscent of leopards. Its short, round ears and flattened face are also among the species’ striking features.

According to researchers, Leopardus tilcayo became the first new cat species described in the scientific world since the pampa cat was identified in 1923. Details of the discovery were published in the journal Current Biology.

DNA analysis revealed a separation of millions of years.

After taking photographs in 2019, Nogales‑Ascarrunz contacted experts in Brazil and Belgium. The team, which included geneticist Eduardo Eizirik and researcher Jonas Lescroart, examined the cat’s DNA in depth.

Genetic analyses revealed that the Leopardus tilcayo lineage split from other tiger cats about 1.4 million years ago. Thus the animal is not merely a variant with a different appearance, but belongs to a distinct species genetically.

The New Species Still Keeps Its Life a Mystery

Scientists point out that, despite the discovery of the new species, very little is known about Leopardus tilcayo. Many details—including the species’ total wild population, feeding habits, reproductive mode, and life cycle—must be investigated.

Biologist Nogales‑Ascarrunz said the discovery also underscored the importance of protecting the natural ecosystems of mountainous forests.

Researchers emphasize that other species yet unknown to science may exist in these areas, and that safeguarding natural habitats is critical for protecting the newly discovered species.