A spotted cat about the size of a domestic cat, long mistaken for other wild felines with similar markings, has been identified as a separate species through genetic analysis. The only known living individual—named at an animal rescue center in Bolivia—is now the sole documented representative of its kind.
The cat's coat, with spots reminiscent of a leopard and striped forehead, had led experts to confuse it with other tiger cats, a group of small wild cats found across Central and South America. However, DNA tests confirmed it belongs to a distinct lineage, making it the first new wild cat species described in over a century, according to reports.
Scientists hope the finding will draw attention to the conservation of tiger cats, which receive far less public concern than larger carnivores such as lions and tigers. The tiny population—just one known individual—underscores the vulnerability of the species and the urgent need for field surveys to determine whether any survive in the wild.
Further research is required to assess the cat's habitat range, threats, and potential for breeding programs. The sanctuary where the specimen lives is expected to play a critical role in any future conservation efforts.