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In 2018, a small feline arrived at the Senda Verde refuge in the Yungas region of La Paz, Bolivia, a creature that would later contribute to the discovery of a new species for science. A young boy from a local community found the animal alone, caked in mud and caught in a heavy downpour, alongside a rural road. Mistaking it for a domestic cat, he took it home. However, the animal’s behaviour soon led him to suspect it was a wild species, prompting him to bring it to the refuge.
At Senda Verde, the team initially identified the feline as a Leopardus tigrinus, naming it “Tigrino”. Yet, its appearance did not entirely match the expected traits of that species. Consequently, the refuge reached out to Bolivian biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, who, along with her team of scientists, commenced an investigation in 2019.
Uncovering a New Species
This research team analysed genetic data from 38 felines across various South American countries, ultimately confirming that Tigrino was distinct from previously known species. They named the new species Leopardus tilcayo.
Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, a biologist trained at the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA) in La Paz, has specialised in Ecological and Evolutionary Genomics at Queen Mary University of London. Currently, she is an associate researcher at the National Museum of Natural History in Bolivia and leads the Bolivia Felids Research Programme while presiding over the Bolivian Network of Mammalogy. In recent discussions, she shared insights into the remarkable discovery that has garnered global attention.
The Genesis of the Research
“My colleague Enzo Aliaga and I began sequencing the whole genomes of cats in 2021 and 2022. Prior to this, we had conducted work on smaller genes, but whole genome sequencing is the basis of our article. Starting in 2024, we will collaborate with an international team led by Dr Eduardo Eizirik from Brazil,” she explained.
Defining Characteristics of Leopardus tilcayo
To establish the new species, the researchers performed genetic analyses comparing the DNA of tiger cats from Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and Brazil. Their findings indicated that the Bolivian cat diverged from other tiger cats approximately 1.4 million years ago. In taxonomic terms, such divergence over a million years warrants classification as a separate species, making it deserving of its newly assigned status.
While some morphological traits can be discerned from the individuals studied, the most definitive evidence lies within the genetic analysis. Notably, genetic differences set this species apart, although slight morphological variances exist. For instance, compared to Leopardus pardinoides, found in Colombia, tilcayo is considerably smaller, with shorter fur and less bushy tails. Furthermore, while Leopardus pardinoides features rings on its tail, tilcayo has spots with some rings appearing towards the tail’s end. These distinctions highlight the unique attributes of this new cat in relation to others.
Habitat and Threats
Leopardus tilcayo inhabits the Yungas region, predominantly in both the northern and southern areas of La Paz. However, this fragile habitat is under significant threat. The humid forests of the Yungas face various challenges, including deforestation for agriculture, leading to uncontrolled fires that impede ecosystem recovery.
Moreover, illegal and legal mining activities have surged in recent years, particularly gold mining, which significantly impacts river systems. The use of explosives in mineral extraction disrupts local wildlife, pushing animals, including pumas, closer to human communities, which in turn affects the tilcayo.
The Significance of the Discovery
For Nogales-Ascarrunz, discovering a new cat species holds immense scientific value. “It’s truly unexpected to discover a new cat,” she remarked. “The news of Leopardus tilcayo has garnered widespread attention, providing a refreshing change amidst recent negative stories. This discovery brings joy not only to Bolivians, who take pride in this new feline, but also resonates internationally. While it may not change the world, it could certainly impact some life perspectives.”
Peer Recognition and Future Endeavours
The research paper detailing this discovery has been published in Current Biology, a prestigious journal. The rigorous peer-review process involved three reviewers, including Andrew Kitchener, a leading taxonomist in felids and a prominent figure in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Such validation underscores the credibility of the findings presented.
As for the next steps, Nogales-Ascarrunz emphasises the collective responsibility to protect the tilcayo, stating, “It’s a pride for all Bolivians, and we must contribute to its conservation.” Her continued research will focus on understanding its distribution, population density, and genetic diversity, as many questions about this new species remain unanswered.
Official Commitment and Community Involvement
The Bolivian government has expressed commitment to safeguarding the habitat of this new species. Nogales-Ascarrunz views this as a positive development, emphasising the need for officials to visit the Yungas and assess the state of the forest, which is in dire need of support. She advocates for dialogue with park rangers who play a crucial role in protecting the habitat and highlights the importance of providing them with the necessary resources to combat forest fires.
Moreover, she sees potential for local communities to become vital allies in the conservation effort. Discussions surrounding ecotourism initiatives in the Yungas could foster a beneficial relationship between locals and their environment, promoting sustainable practices and providing economic opportunities for communities.
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