New wild cat species discovered – with only one known living member

Scientists have confirmed a new wild cat species from Bolivia's forests, named Leopardus tilcayo, after DNA analysis revealed it was genetically distinct from similar-looking tiger cats despite sharing their spotted appearance. Only one living member of the species is currently known—a cat in a Bolivian wildlife sanctuary—though researchers believe others exist in the wild. The discovery highlights how little is understood about small wild cats in Central and South America, which receive far less conservation attention than larger feline species.