Bolivia's Tigrino emerges as newly identified cat species

Tigrino, a 10-year-old wildcat at Bolivia's Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary, is one of only two known living representatives of the newly identified Leopardus tilcayo species. He is the only one under permanent human care.

The cat is part of a group called tiger cats found across much of South America. It was found in Bolivia's lush Yungas forest, a mountainous region where forests are often covered by clouds and surrounded by high humidity, according to researchers. It measures about 18 inches (46 cm) long and weighs around 3 pounds (1.4 kg), making it smaller than the average domestic cat.

Rescued in 2017, he was kept by a local family in their home before arriving at the sanctuary, and has become the face of one of the most significant scientific discoveries in recent years. 

Researchers used genetic data to confirm that the cat is a new species, and gave it the scientific name Leopardus tilcayo, retaining its local name.

Biologist and National Geographic Explorer Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz told Reuters on Saturday (September 19) researchers decided to retain the name to honor indigenous knowledge. "We have decided to keep this name, which is Leopardus Tilcayo, for its scientific name and for the common name of the species."

Nogales-Ascarrunz is one of the authors of the study describing the newly identified species published on Thursday (September 17) in the journal Current Biology.

While Tilcayos still exist in Bolivia's wild Yungas forest, Tigrino cannot be returned. After nearly a decade in captivity and lacking proper nutrition during his youth, reintroduction would be impossible, Nogales-Ascarrunz explained.

At Senda Verde, Tigrino shares space with more than 1,200 other rescued animals. Sanctuary co-founder Marcelo Levy said the refuge's mission is to "save and shelter wild animals rescued from illegal trafficking, from the destruction of their habitat."

The threats are immediate. A mining cooperative operates just meters from the sanctuary, Levy told Reuters, "affecting the animals through noise, pollution and the movement of machinery." The encroachment has introduced severe physical disruptions to the wildlife.

With habitats fracturing, Nogales-Ascarrunz emphasized the urgency of protecting the forest where Tigrino's wild cousins still roam. "Let us hope that this brings more attention to the conservation of the Yungas forest," she said. "If there is no habitat, there is no cat either."

Camera: Sergio Limachi, Monica Machicao / Editing: Sergio Limachi, Monica Machicao, Andrea Rodriguez / Production & Writing: Monica Machicao, Andrea Rodriguez/Reuters