A solitary spotted cat, long thought to belong to a familiar Bolivian species, has been confirmed as a distinct species by scientists, according to a BBC report published on Monday. The discovery, made by researchers from the University of São Paulo, brings the total number of wildcat species in the world to 12, and adds a new line on the continent’s already rich but fragile biodiversity.

Only one specimen known

The animal, caught on camera in a remote part of the Bolivian Andes, is the only living example of what scientists are calling Felis boliviana. Fieldwork carried out in 2024 by a team led by Dr Ana‑Maria Silva found DNA that did not match any known cat lineage, and the cat’s distinctive coat pattern—large dark rosettes separated by a white collar—distinguishes it from its close relatives.

“We have a single living specimen that carries a unique genetic signature,” said Silva, who was quoted in the BBC story. “It is a reminder of how much we still do not know about the fauna that inhabits the high‑altitude grasslands.”

Unusual habitat and behaviour

Unlike the common jaguarundi that roams lowland forests, the new species appears adapted to the dry puna ecosystem, where temperatures swing from freezing at night to scorching by day. Observers noted the cat’s keen use of the sparse vegetation for camouflage, and its diet, which includes the elusive vicuña and small rodents.

Scientists have not yet documented the animal’s reproductive habits, a gap that raises concerns about its long‑term viability. The remote region where the cat was spotted is increasingly exposed to grazing by livestock and mining development, which could fragment its habitat further.

Implications for conservation

The discovery underscores the importance of protecting high‑altitude ecosystems that are home to many species that have yet to be formally described. “Adding a species to the taxonomic list is not just a curiosity; it signals that we need to pay attention to these habitats,” said Dr Luis Pérez, a conservation biologist not involved in the study.

Bolivia’s government has already signalled plans to extend the boundaries of the Tunari National Park, a move that could encompass the cat’s range. International funding agencies are also reviewing proposals to support field surveys in the Andes.

Next steps for science

Researchers plan to use non‑invasive genetic sampling, such as hair traps, to confirm whether additional individuals exist. A team will also conduct a detailed ecological assessment to determine the species’ range and population density.

“If we can find more members, it will give us a clearer picture of its needs and threats,” said Silva. “But for now, we are dealing with a single living representative of an entire lineage.”

Why this matters

The identification of a new wildcat species is rare in the 21st century, when most large mammals are already catalogued. It highlights how isolated environments can harbour unique forms of life that remain hidden from science. The find also illustrates the broader pattern of biodiversity loss in the Andes, where climate change and human activity are reshaping ecosystems.

In a world where many species face extinction before they are even known, the discovery of Felis boliviana offers a glimmer of hope that there is still something to learn about the planet’s hidden corners. It also reminds us that conservation decisions must be based on solid scientific knowledge, not on assumptions about what might be hidden in the wilderness.

While the cat’s fate remains uncertain, the scientific community is now better equipped to advocate for the protection of a species that could otherwise vanish without a name.