The first new cat species discovered in 100 years

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Researchers have identified the tilcayo tiger cat (Leopardus tilcayo) in Bolivia as a distinct wild cat species, the first new cat species formally described in about a century, based on comprehensive genetic analysis separating it from other “tiger cats.” Commenters note that locals had long recognized the animal, raising points about how science formalizes indigenous knowledge and how species are defined genetically versus as subspecies. Much of the reaction mixes fascination with its tiny, housecat‑like appearance and concern that its cuteness could fuel unethical attempts at domestication or hybrid breeding despite it being a truly wild, hard‑to‑tame predator.

Discovery and Taxonomic Details

  • The new species is Leopardus tilcayo, the “tilcayo tiger cat,” recently given its own Wikipedia page.
  • Several comments note this is not a “never-seen-before” animal but a genetic reclassification: tiger cats long known in Bolivia are now shown to be a distinct species from similar cats in Brazil.
  • A cited summary of the study says 38 cats (26 tiger cats) were genetically analyzed, splitting the “tigrinus complex” into five species, with L. tilcayo diverging ~1.4 million years ago.
  • One commenter challenges a comparison to lion–cave lion divergence, pointing out other sources suggest a much shorter divergence time, calling the “comparable” phrasing misleading.

Appearance, Size, and Comparisons

  • Widely described as very cute, tiny (about 3–4 pounds), and visually similar to a house cat, with “perfect killing machine” vibes.
  • Compared to other small wild cats like kodkod and oncilla.

Domestication, Taming, and Human Safety

  • Debate over whether it (or hybrids) should/could be domesticated.
  • Anecdote: one individual was kept as a “pretty housecat,” but remained wild and was sent to a sanctuary.
  • Some argue “anything can be tamed”; others counter with examples of fatal or severe attacks from “tame” lions and big cats.
  • Multiple comments stress how dangerous even small cats can be: fast, strong, and armed with claws and bacteria-laden bites.
  • Stories of house cats, bobcats, pumas, and trained “guard cats” reinforce that felines are formidable predators despite their size.

Local Knowledge and Naming

  • Locals have long used the name “tilcayo.”
  • Unclear whether they distinguished it from oncilla-like species or whether scientists initially collapsed local distinctions.
  • Note that “tiger” in the local context historically referred to jaguars; genus Leopardus adds to naming confusion.

Genetics and Hybridization

  • Leopardus species have 36 chromosomes vs. 38 in most cats, leading some to doubt easy hybridization with domestic cats.
  • Separate thread on coat-color genetics clarifies that tri-color house cats (calicos) are usually female; the tilcayo’s pattern follows different, non–sex-linked mechanisms.

Calling Cats: “pspspsps” and Culture

  • Long subthread catalogs worldwide cat-calling sounds. “pspspsps” (and variants) reported in the US, Europe, Latin America, Australia, and elsewhere; some regions use tongue-clicks or local words (“minou minou”).
  • One comment suggests these sounds may trigger prey drive, making them broadly effective.

Media Framing, Ethics, and Reactions

  • Some worry its cuteness will spur unethical pet trade or attempts to create a “domestic model.”
  • Others celebrate a non-microbe mammal discovery as rare good news.
  • A few think the photos look AI- or Photoshop-generated.
  • Overall tone mixes excitement, caution about wild animals as pets, and mild skepticism of sensational framing.