LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — Scientists have confirmed the existence of a new wild cat species in Bolivia, marking the first time in more than 100 years that researchers have identified a previously unknown member of the feline family.
The animal, a small spotted forest cat informally referred to as a “tiger‑cat,” was long assumed to be a regional variant of the Brazilian tigrina. A team of researchers analyzing genetic samples from camera‑trap surveys and field expeditions determined the Bolivian population is distinct enough to qualify as its own species.
The cat, roughly the size of a domestic housecat, has a reddish‑gold coat patterned with dark rosettes and a shorter tail than its ocelot relatives. Scientists say its facial markings and genetic profile set it apart from other South American wild cats.
The species appears to inhabit the Bolivian Amazon and the Chiquitano dry forest, with researchers noting it may also range into parts of Paraguay and northern Argentina. Conservationists warn that the cat’s habitat is under pressure from ranching, agriculture and deforestation, raising concerns that the newly identified species could already be at risk.
Wild cats are notoriously difficult to study due to their solitary and nocturnal behavior, making the discovery especially significant. Researchers say the finding underscores the biodiversity of Bolivia’s forests and highlights the need for updated conservation plans.
