A tiny wild cat living in Bolivia’s cloud forests has been identified as a new species in a remarkable discovery.
The feline, known as the tilcayo by local communities, measures just 18 inches (46cm) long and weighs around 3lb (1.4kg), making it smaller than the average domestic cat.
It was found in Bolivia’s lush Yungas forest, a mountainous region of humid forests that are often shrouded in clouds.
Researchers used genetic analysis to confirm the animal was a previously unknown species and named it Leopardus tilcayo, retaining its local name.
The discovery marks the first time a new living feline species has been formally
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