The new species of wild cat found in Bolivia and of which only one is known
The feline was found in a sanctuary in Bolivia and had been rescued from the jungle after being confused with a domestic cat.
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The feline was found in a sanctuary in Bolivia and had been rescued from the jungle after being confused with a domestic cat.
The small animal's lineage, described by the scientist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz in Bolivia's cloud forests, was separated from the rest of the tiger cats 1.4 million years ago.
The Congress of Bolivia approved the extension of the state of emergency for 90 days, a measure that had been decreed by President Rodrigo Paz. This legal framework restricts the right to protest and allows the mobilization of military personnel to maintain law and order, which is essential to avoid road blocks and to protect the economy, as the Administration insisted. The original decree entered into force on 20 June, after more than 50 days of protests and roadblocks by peasants, indigenous people and other sectors.
The Bolivian Parliament approved the extension of the state of emergency for the next 90 days, a measure originally established by decree of President Rodrigo Paz. The rule allows the Government to mobilize military forces to contain demonstrations. The protests began months ago because of the economic crisis and the discontent of the citizens. Report from our correspondent, Nathalie Iriarte.
Genetic data confirmed that the small feline, called "tilcayo" by locals, is a new species of cat. It's the first such discovery in more than 100 years.
Leopardus tilcayo is the first new living cat species named and described in more than a century.
A spotted wildcat long mistaken for relatives has been identified as a new species in Bolivia.