New Species of Wild Cat Discovered in Bolivia
A tiny, newly identified wild cat species in Bolivia has unexpectedly become a tourist attraction, drawing visitors eager to catch a glimpse of the elusive animal.
A small wild cat, recently identified as a new species in Bolivia, has become an unexpected draw for tourists. The animal, affectionately nicknamed Tigrino, resides at the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary near La Paz.
Scientists described Tigrino's species in the journal Current Biology, marking the first time in over a century that a living wild cat species has been identified. Tigrino, measuring approximately 18 inches from head to tail and weighing about 3 pounds, is smaller than the average domestic cat. He possesses large, leopard-like spots.
The discovery has generated significant interest on social media, leading to an influx of visitors from across Bolivia and other regions to the sanctuary. Tigrino has been at Senda Verde since 2017, when he was brought to the sanctuary after attempts to keep him as a pet were unsuccessful.
Despite the growing attention, Tigrino is easily stressed by human interaction. Sanctuary co-founder Marcelo Levy stated that caretakers keep him away from public view to minimize his stress. When visitors are present, Tigrino may cautiously emerge from his shelter before retreating into the foliage. Levy noted that Tigrino has become an important ambassador for conservation, highlighting the need to protect wild cats and their habitats in Bolivia's tropical forests.