About TilcayoCat.com
TilcayoCat.com is an independent educational project dedicated to Leopardus tilcayo — the tilcayo cat, the first new wild cat species to be formally described in more than a century. When the species announcement broke in September 2026, we saw people everywhere asking the same questions: is it real? how big is it? where can I see one? We built this site to answer them accurately, in plain English, in one place.
Our editorial standards
- Primary sources first. Facts come from the species description in Current Biology, statements from the research team, and reports by established outlets (BBC Wildlife, New Scientist, National Geographic). We link to sources on every page.
- Uncertainty is part of the story. Where science doesn't yet have an answer — population size, range, behavior — we say so explicitly rather than guessing.
- Visuals with credit. Photographs are used with clear attribution to their owners (e.g., Fernando Faciole / National Geographic) and source links; they remain the property of their creators. Our diagrams are original stylized renderings based on published descriptions — never presented as photographs.
- No sensationalism. No invented "sightings," no fake quotes, no clickbait that contradicts the science.
Independence
We are not affiliated with any research institution, sanctuary, government agency or conservation NGO. The site is funded through display advertising, which never influences content. If we ever publish sponsored content, it will be clearly labeled.
Corrections
Covering a brand-new species means facts evolve fast. If you spot an error, tell us via the contact page — verified corrections are applied promptly, and the news timeline is updated continuously as the research develops.