Tiger cat
In Biology the term tiger cat is colloquially used to refer to several related species of small cat, native to South America.[1][2][3]
Originally scientists recognized just one species, with regional sub-species.[1][2] Based on recent genetic analysis some scientist suggest there are six distinct species: Leopardus tigrinus, Leopardus guttulus, Leopardus pardinoides, Leopardus emiliae, Leopardus tilcayo, Leopardus antisuyo.
The Tilcayo, found in Bolivia's Yungas forest, was only identified in 2026.[1][2]
All tiger cats are roughly the size of, or slightly smaller, than domestic cats.[1][2] Like their larger cousins, the Leopard and Jaguar, their fur is marked by rosettes.
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Jonas Lescroart; Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz; Molly Cassatt-Johnstone; Alejandra Bonilla-Sánchez; Caroline Charão Sartor; Fernando Angulo; Jorge L. Ramirez; =Larissa Rosa de Oliveira; Tadeu Gomes de Oliveira; Beth Shapiro; Enzo Aliaga-Rossel; Hannes Svardal; Eduardo Eizirik (2026-09-17). "Phylogenomics and museomics reveal five distinct species of tiger cats in South America". Current Biology. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2026.08.059. ISSN 0960-9822. Retrieved 2026-09-18.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "New cat species identified for first time in more than a century in Bolivia". The Guardian. 2026-09-17. Retrieved 2026-09-18.
- ↑
"This Odd Little Kitty Turned Out To Be A New Species". Animalogic. 2026-10-16. Retrieved 2026-10-17 – via YouTube.
We have a brand new cat! For the first time in over 100 years scientists have discovered a new species, and the most amazing thing is that it was a tiger cat who had been found as a kitten on the side of the road. In the same research, scientists also found evidence to elevate 2 other subspecies to full species. So check out this kitty galore as we dive into the brand new world of tiger cats.