An international group of researchers has discovered a new species of wild cat in South America, scientifically named Leopardus tilcayo. According to the authors of the work, this is the first living species of felines to be described and officially named in over a hundred years. Tilcayo belongs to the genus Leopardus, which also includes ocelots, rather than the group of true tigers. These small predators are called tiger cats due to the characteristic spotted-striped pattern of their fur. Their body length is approximately 30–60 cm, and their weight usually reaches 2–3 kg. Externally similar species are practically indistinguishable, so scientists have to analyze genetic data to differentiate them.
Researchers studied the complete genomes of 38 representatives of the genus Leopardus, including 26 tiger cats. The sample included both recently obtained specimens and materials from museum collections. Data from Guyana, a region that includes Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, where Leopardus tigrinus was first described in the 18th century, were of particular importance. Comparison of the genomes showed that the already known lines L. tigrinus, L. guttulus, L. pardinoides, and L. emiliae indeed represent independent species. Additionally, in Bolivia, scientists discovered a genetic line that does not match any of the previously described groups. It was named Leopardus tilcayo in honor of the local name for tiger cats. The work also revealed a previously unknown subspecies, L. tigrinus antisuyo.
The new results are significant not only for classification but also for assessing population status. Currently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature considers only two species of tiger cats – L. tigrinus and L. guttulus – to be vulnerable. Separate population estimates have not yet been conducted for the other genetically distinct lines, so their actual status remains less certain. The authors of the study have already submitted the results to the IUCN, which plans to consider the species separately during the next reassessment of their conservation status. Scientists also intend to continue collecting samples and studying the genetics, ecology, and behavior of these animals: additional regions of South America remain insufficiently explored.
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