Scientists discovered for the first time in 100 years a new wild cat species in Bolivia

By

 Scientists have identified a tiny new wild cat species in Bolivia called the tilcayo (Leopardus tilcayo), marking the first new living cat species described in over a century. 

Key Facts About the Tilcayo
  • Name & Origin: Named Leopardus tilcayo after "tilcayo," the local term used by communities in Bolivia's lush Yungas cloud forest. 
  • Size: Measures about 18 inches (46 cm) long and weighs roughly 3 pounds (1.4 kg), making it smaller than a typical house cat. 
  • Appearance: Features a light brown coat covered in striking, leopard-like rosette markings. 
  • Discovery: Revealed through advanced DNA and whole-genome sequencing analysis published in Current Biology by researchers including explorer Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz and Jonas Lescroart. Genetic data showed that South America's tiger cats comprise five distinct species, with the tilcayo lineage splitting off roughly 1.4 million years ago. 
  • Conservation & Status: Much of its behavior, diet, and exact population range remain a mystery, and current known living specimens are extremely rare or under protective care in sanctuaries like Senda Verde.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Rural Local Bodies in Kerala Receive Over ₹260 Crores as First Instalment of XV Finance Commission Grants

By
The Union Government has released ₹260.20 crores to Rural Local Bodies in Kerala as XV Finance Commission grants for the Financial Year 2025- 26. The amount represents the first instalment of Untied Grants and covers all 14 District Panchayats, 152 Block Panchayats and 9,414 Gram Panchayats in the State. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation) recommend the release of XV FC Grants for RLBs/PRIs, which is subsequently released by the Ministry of Finance in two installments during a financial year. Untied Grants are meant to be utilized by Rural Local Bodies/PRIs for location-specific felt needs under the 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, except for salaries and other establishment expenditures. Tied Grants, on the other hand, are earmarked for basic services relating to (a) sanitation and maintenance of ODF status including management and treatment of household waste, human excreta and fec...
Read more

ISRO developing semi-cryogenic engine working on LOX Kerosene propellant

By
ISRO is developing a 2000 kN thrust semi-cryogenic engine working on an LOX Kerosene propellant combination for enhancing the payload capability of LVM3 and for future launch vehicles. Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) is the lead centre for the development of semi-cryogenic propulsion systems with the support of other launch vehicle centres of ISRO. The assembly and testing of the propulsion modules were done at the ISRO propulsion complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri. As part of the engine development, a pre-burner ignition test article, which is a full complement of the engine power head system excluding the turbopumps is realized. The first ignition trial was conducted successfully on May 2, 2024, at semi cryo integrated engine test facility (SIET) at IPRC, Mahendragiri, which was dedicated to the nation recently by the honorable Prime Minister of India. Smooth and sustained ignition of the preburner is demonstrated which is vital for the starting of the semi-cryogenic engine. Semi-c...
Read more