Prelims: Current events of national and international importance| Environment
Why in News?
Researchers have confirmed a new species of tiger cat in Bolivia named Tilcayo (Leopardus tilcayo), marking the first such feline discovery in the country in over a century.
- Genetics & Evolution – Genetic analysis confirms the Tilcayo lineage split from other tiger cats approximately 1.4 million years ago.
- Tiger cats are cryptic species, meaning they are visually indistinguishable by appearance alone and require DNA data for classification.
- Habitat – Inhabits the mountainous, lush Yungas forest of Bolivia.
- Physical Features – Smaller than a domestic cat, measuring about 18 inches (46 cm) in length and weighing around 3 pounds (1.4 kg).
- Diet & Behavior – Camera traps indicate nocturnal activity, while scat analysis shows small rodents form part of its diet.
- Conservation Status – The IUCN Red List currently categorizes tiger cats under two "Vulnerable" species with declining global populations.
- The research team also described a new tiger cat subspecies in Peru’s Yungas, naming it Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo after Antisuyu (region of the old Inca Empire).
Reference
The Hindu| New cat species ‘Tilcayo’
