In 2017, biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, a National Geographic Explorer and founder of the Bolivian Felids Research Program, examined a "weird cat" at the Senda Verde wildlife sanctuary in Bolivia. The small, spotted feline with a scrunched face and round ears had been found as a kitten near a forest. Initially assumed to be Leopardus tigrinus (oncilla), Nogales-Ascarrunz noticed its rosettes were larger than Brazilian reference photos in 2019.

Collaborating with geneticist Eduardo Eizirik at Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul and Jonas Lescroart from the University of Antwerp, genomic analysis confirmed it as a distinct species. Published in Current Biology, the discovery marks the first new felid species in over 100 years since the pampas cat in 1923. Named Leopardus tilcayo after the local name used by Bolivian communities, the cat inhabits the Yungas forest ecoregion on the eastern Andes slope.

Researchers emphasize this finding redraws the cat family tree with more branches, though basic ecology — diet, reproduction, predators — remains unknown. Nogales-Ascarrunz, co-lead author, notes the significance of a totally new species rather than a reclassification.