AGP Executive Report

New Felid Discovery in Bolivia: Scientists have formally described the tilcayo (Leopardus tilcayo), a small spotted “tiger cat” from Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests—first new wild cat species in over 100 years—highlighting how genetics can redraw South America’s wildlife map. El Niño Child Risks: UNICEF warns 25.8 million children across Latin America face growing drought and flooding risks from a record-strong El Niño, with Bolivia among areas facing elevated wildfire risk and Amazon communities threatened by low river levels. Mercury Pollution Briefing: Researchers from Wake Forest and CINCIA delivered evidence of mercury contamination linked to gold mining to Pope Leo XIV, stressing that pollution moves through ecosystems and reaches vulnerable Indigenous communities across Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and Colombia. Gold Mining’s River Damage (Bolivia): Reporting on the Kaka River shows decades of alluvial gold mining turned parts of the ecosystem into contaminated “dead beaches,” altering riverbeds, increasing sediment, and harming fishing and water access. Regional Climate Disruption: A new risk report says a “super” El Niño could disrupt supply chains and infrastructure unevenly across the region, with drought and flood impacts hitting different economies.

El Niño Child Risks: UNICEF warns 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean face rising drought and flood threats as this year’s El Niño intensifies, with Bolivia among areas at elevated wildfire risk and Amazon river communities vulnerable to low water. Mercury From Gold Mining: Scientists brief Pope Leo XIV with findings that mercury from gold mining spreads through Amazon ecosystems and reaches people, including Indigenous communities in Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and Colombia. Bolivia’s Biodiversity Win: Researchers formally describe Bolivia’s Leopardus tilcayo (“tilcayo”), the first new cat species in over a century, highlighting the Yungas cloud forest’s hidden wildlife value. Amazon River Damage: Reporting on the Kaka River shows decades of gold mining have turned parts of the ecosystem into “dead beaches,” with contaminated water and major impacts on fishing and water supply. Botany for Bolivia: Bolivia’s 6th Congress of Botany opens in La Paz, focusing on plant biodiversity conservation and new collaborations to protect flora. Climate-Linked Storms in the Region: Paraguay’s severe storm linked to El Niño left thousands affected and damaged homes, crops, and power infrastructure.

El Niño Child Risks: UNICEF says 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean live in municipalities facing very high risks from El Niño-linked rainfall deficits or excess rain, threatening food, safe water, health care, education and child protection. Bolivia Biodiversity Spotlight: Scientists have formally identified Bolivia’s Yungas cloud-forest “tilcayo” (Leopardus tilcayo), the first new cat species in over a century, with genetic work confirming it as distinct and calling attention to habitat pressures. Amazon Water Damage from Mining: Reporting on Bolivia’s Kaka River links decades of alluvial gold mining to “dead beaches,” contaminated water, and major ecosystem change, including measurable shifts in water bodies in the Beni basin. Botany for Bolivia’s Future: Bolivia’s 6th Congress of Botany will run in La Paz (Sept. 30–Oct. 2), bringing researchers and students together to share plant-biodiversity conservation and restoration work. Regional Climate Disruption: New research warns a “super” El Niño could disrupt supply chains, commodity output and infrastructure, with drought risks in parts of Central America and flooding risks rising in key areas of Peru, Ecuador and Brazil. Storm Impacts: Paraguay reported severe storm damage affecting at least 4,000 families, with damage to homes, power and crops.

Wildlife & Biodiversity: Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forest just gained a new scientific star: the Leopardus tilcayo (tilcayo), a tiny wild cat identified after genetic work, now drawing attention to how much still remains unknown about local fauna. Conservation Science in Bolivia: The 6th Bolivian Congress of Botany is set for La Paz (Sept. 30–Oct. 2), bringing researchers and students together to share plant biodiversity research and push new collaborations for flora conservation. Climate Risk for the Region: UNICEF warns that El Niño’s heat is putting 25.8 million children across Latin America at risk from droughts, floods, and wildfire impacts, with Bolivia among areas facing elevated wildfire danger. Mining & Water Damage: Reporting on the Kaka River highlights how decades of gold mining have reshaped riverbeds, increased sediment, and left contaminated, degraded aquatic habitat affecting Indigenous Leco communities. Policy & Health: PAHO and Andean partners unveiled a 2026–2031 plan to strengthen climate-related health surveillance and early warning systems across the Andes. El Niño Disruption Ahead: New research flags uneven but serious El Niño impacts on Latin American supply chains, agriculture, and infrastructure, with flooding and drought risks varying by country.

New Species in Bolivia: Scientists have formally identified Leopardus tilcayo, a “weird cat” from the Yungas cloud forests, after genetic work confirmed it as the first living wild cat described in over a century; the animal is now at the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary. Botany for Conservation: Bolivia’s 6th Congress of Botany opens Sept. 30 in La Paz, bringing researchers and students together to share plant biodiversity research tied to conservation and restoration. El Niño Impacts Across the Region: UNICEF warns 25.8 million children in Latin America face rising drought and flood risks as this year’s El Niño strengthens, with Bolivia among areas facing elevated wildfire risk. Climate-Health Planning: PAHO and Andean partners unveiled a 2026–2031 plan to protect health systems from climate-driven risks like heat, floods, droughts, and wildfires. Wildlife Tourism Rules: La Paz Bay whale shark tours get clearer multi-season rules through 2029, with boat limits tied to official shark counts. Hurricane Watch: Hurricane Rachel is forecast to strengthen off Mexico, with coastal warnings in place.

El Niño Alert for Bolivia: UNICEF says El Niño could drive severe droughts and flooding across Latin America, putting 25.8 million children at growing risk; in Bolivia, higher wildfire risk and shrinking river levels could isolate riverside communities. New Cat for Bolivia’s Yungas: Scientists formally described Leopardus tilcayo, the first new living wild cat species in over a century, after a rescued kitten near La Paz; genetics confirm it’s distinct, and early observations suggest it’s nocturnal—raising urgent conservation questions as cloud forests face fires and mining. La Paz Whale Shark Rules: Mexico’s Semarnat set a three-season management plan for La Paz Bay whale shark watching and swimming (2026–2029), using shark counts to adjust boat limits and suspending tours when numbers fall. Indigenous Voice in Climate Finance: The GEF expanded its Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group with four new members, aiming to strengthen Indigenous governance input into decisions affecting lands and futures. Forest Fire Funding Debate: A new South America-focused firefighting fund was announced at the UN, prompting calls for Indonesia to join—citing lessons from Indigenous firefighting teams and early smoke detection used in the region. Hurricane Polo Update: Hurricane Polo hit Baja California Sur as a Category 2 storm but authorities reported no deaths, with rain and coastal flooding risks continuing to affect travel and local services.

New Wild Cat in Bolivia: Scientists formally described Leopardus tilcayo (tilcayo/tigrino), the first living wild cat identified in over a century, after genetic work tied a stray found in Bolivia’s cloud forests to a distinct tiger cat lineage—raising hopes that more small-cat species may be recognized as genomes clarify lookalikes. Wildlife Rules in La Paz Bay: Mexico’s Semarnat set a three-season rulebook for whale shark watching and swimming in La Paz Bay (2026–2029), using shark counts to adjust boat limits and suspending tours when numbers fall. Hurricane Polo Impacts Baja Sur: Hurricane Polo passed Baja California Sur with no reported deaths, but brought heavy rain and coastal hazards; officials kept beaches closed under black flags and ports shut as swell risk lingered. Forest Fire Funding Push: A new UN-linked firefighting fund for South America drew criticism for excluding Indonesia; an editorial argues Indonesia should join to protect forests using proven early-smoke detection and Indigenous firefighting models. Ocean Food Innovation in La Paz: Conservation International and Hatch Blue opened 2027 applications for a Women in Ocean Food program, with selected founders meeting in La Paz and support for sustainable aquaculture and blue carbon ventures. Mining Pressure on Rivers: Indigenous groups in Pando issued an ultimatum demanding removal of gold-mining barges and dredges on the Madre de Dios River, citing mercury pollution harming communities and wildlife.

New Wild Cat in Bolivia: Scientists formally recognized Leopardus tilcayo (tilcayo) in Bolivia’s cloud forests, the first new living wild cat species described in over a century, after genetic work traced a rescued stray; experts say more tiger cat species may be split as DNA studies continue. La Paz Whale Shark Rules: Mexico’s Semarnat set a three-season rulebook for whale shark watching and swimming in La Paz Bay (2026–2029), using shark counts to adjust daily boat limits and suspending tours when numbers drop. Hurricane Polo & Climate Stress: El Niño-fueled storm activity continues, with Hurricane Polo disrupting Mexico’s Pacific coast—beach closures, port shutdowns, and medical pre-positioning reported as rain and flooding risks spread. Water & Community Resilience: Global Water Challenge and Cargill expanded “Cargill Currents” into Bolivia and other countries to improve safe water, sanitation, watershed restoration, and long-term system maintenance. Mining Pollution Pressure in Pando: Indigenous groups in Pando issued an ultimatum to remove gold-mining barges and dredges from the Madre de Dios River, citing mercury contamination harming health and wildlife.

New Wild Cat in Bolivia: Scientists formally described Leopardus tilcayo (“tilcayo”) from the Yungas cloud forests, the first living wild cat species identified in over a century, after a rescued specimen was initially mistaken for a stray kitten; genetic work suggests more tiger-cat species may be recognized soon, which could reshape conservation planning and protection rules. Bolivia Climate Signal: A study in Nature Communications finds warming is accelerating unevenly, with Bolivia among regions showing faster temperature increases since 1970—important for anticipating local heat and extreme-weather risks. La Paz Flood Risk: La Paz Bay sea level hit a 33-year high in 2026, underscoring rising coastal pressure for the region. Forest Carbon & Article 6: At Climate Week NYC, Bolivia joined other forest-rich countries to push forest carbon finance under Article 6, highlighting results-based payments and debt-for-swaps as tools to protect and restore ecosystems. Water Partnership in Bolivia: Global Water Challenge and Cargill expanded “Cargill Currents” into Bolivia to improve safe water and sanitation, repair water systems, and support watershed restoration and monitoring. Hurricane Polo Disruptions (Regional): Mexico’s Pacific storm forced port closures and cruise itinerary changes, while nearby forecasts also flagged flood and storm impacts—relevant for regional disaster preparedness and coastal ecosystems.

New Wild Cat in Bolivia: Scientists have identified a new species of wild feline, Leopardus tilcayo (“tilcayo tiger cat”), from Bolivia’s Los Yungas cloud forests, discovered after a local family mistook a young animal for a domestic cat and later brought it to the Senda Verde sanctuary; genetic work confirmed it as a distinct species, the first living cat species described in more than a century. Indigenous vs Mining in Pando: Indigenous communities in Pando issued an ultimatum demanding the removal of gold-mining barges and dredges along the Madre de Dios River, citing mercury contamination harming people, wildlife, and livelihoods. Climate Pressure in La Paz: La Paz Bay sea levels hit a new 33-year high in 2026, with researchers linking higher water to El Niño-driven ocean warming and noting that high tide can push seawater onto normally dry areas. Water Partnership Expansion: Global Water Challenge and Cargill expanded their Cargill Currents program into Bolivia and other countries, focusing on safe water and sanitation, watershed restoration, and more efficient farming water use. Hurricane Disruptions Near Bolivia’s Region: Hurricane Polo continues to force major cruise itinerary changes and port closures in Mexico’s Pacific, a reminder of how extreme weather can quickly disrupt coastal communities and services.

New Wild Cat in Bolivia: Scientists identified Leopardus tilcayo (“tilcayo”) in Bolivia’s Los Yungas cloud forests, the first living wild cat species described in over a century, after genetic work at Senda Verde; a local resident initially mistook the kitten for a domestic cat. Indigenous vs Mining Pollution: Indigenous communities in Pando issued an ultimatum demanding removal of gold-mining barges and dredges along the Madre de Dios River, citing mercury contamination harming people and wildlife. Climate Signal for Bolivia: A study in Nature Communications finds warming accelerations affecting places including Bolivia, with regional “waves” of faster temperature rise since 1970. Sea-Level Risk in La Paz: La Paz Bay hit its highest recorded level since monitoring began in 1993, with El Niño-linked ocean warming and high tides raising flood risk. Water Partnership Expansion: Global Water Challenge and Cargill expanded Cargill Currents to Bolivia, aiming to improve safe water, sanitation, watershed restoration, and farm water efficiency.

New Wild Cat Species in Bolivia: Scientists have identified Leopardus tilcayo, a tiny spotted “tilcayo” wild cat from the Los Yungas cloud forests near Yolosa, after genetic work and a specimen first rescued from the rain after locals mistook it for a domestic cat; the discovery is the first living new wild cat species in more than a century, but experts warn it may need stronger protection as researchers figure out how many exist. Climate Acceleration in Bolivia: A Nature Communications study finds global warming is speeding up in waves, with detectable accelerations in places including Bolivia, alongside parts of Mexico, the Mediterranean, and China—highlighting uneven regional impacts since 1970. Sea-Level Spike in La Paz Bay: Monitoring shows La Paz Bay sea level hit its highest point since records began in 1993, with El Niño-linked warming and expansion raising risk when high tides and swell coincide. Hurricane Polo Disrupts Regional Travel: Cruise lines rerouted due to Hurricane Polo, including Carnival Panorama canceling Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán and adding Ensenada, while authorities also issued port closures for small vessels in Mexico’s Cabo area. Fire and Forest Protection Funding Gap: Reporting on tropical fire seasons and UN findings points to a major funding shortfall for preserving forests—raising stakes for climate and biodiversity protection.

New Cat Species in Bolivia: Scientists have formally described Leopardus tilcayo (the “tilcayo tiger cat”) from Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests— the first living wild cat species recognized in more than a century—after genetic testing confirmed it was distinct from other tiger cats; the discovery also raises urgent questions about how many exist and how much protection the species needs as its habitat faces deforestation. Climate Acceleration in Bolivia: A Nature Communications study finds global warming is speeding up in specific regions, with Bolivia among the places showing faster temperature increases since 1970—warming that arrives in waves rather than evenly worldwide. Sea-Level Risk for La Paz: La Paz Bay hit its highest recorded level since monitoring began in 1993, with rising baseline sea levels amplified by El Niño conditions and high tides, increasing coastal flooding risk. El Niño Watch: Multiple reports warn the developing “super El Niño” could bring floods, drought, extreme heat, and crop losses globally, with peak intensity expected in early 2027. Tropical Fire Funding Gap: A UN-linked report highlights a multibillion-dollar shortfall for tropical forest protection, while a new South America firefighting fund launches—leaving out major regions like Africa and Southeast Asia.

New Wild Cat Species in Bolivia: Scientists have formally described Leopardus tilcayo, a tiny spotted “tilcayo tiger cat” from Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests— the first living cat species recognized in more than a century—after a local family mistook the animal for a house cat and later genetic testing confirmed it as a distinct species. Conservation Pressure: Experts warn the discovery may shrink known population estimates and that the tilcayo may need stronger protection as researchers work out where it lives and what threatens it. El Niño Watch: A “super El Niño” is developing, with forecasts pointing to stronger-than-usual impacts—floods, drought, extreme heat, and crop losses—raising stakes for climate-vulnerable regions. Coastal Risk in La Paz: La Paz Bay sea level hit its highest point since monitoring began in 1993, with El Niño-linked warming and expansion increasing the risk when high tides and storm surge coincide. Fire Funding Gap: A new South America firefighting fund was announced, but a UN report highlights a wider tropical-forest preservation funding gap, while Indonesia’s fires show how quickly smoke and health impacts can spread across borders.

New Species, Big Spotlight: Scientists have formally described Leopardus tilcayo—a tiny spotted wild cat from Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests—marking the first new living cat species recognized in over a century, and it’s already drawing curious visitors to a sanctuary, though experts warn conservation must ramp up fast. Climate Extremes Watch: A “super El Niño” is developing with record-warm Pacific waters, raising the risk of floods, drought, extreme heat, and crop losses worldwide—an issue Bolivia will feel through shifting rainfall and water stress. La Paz Bay Sea-Level Spike: La Paz Bay hit its highest level since monitoring began in 1993, with a cumulative rise of 9.2 cm over 33 years, and El Niño-linked warming plus high tides and swell are increasing coastal risk. Conservation Finance Under Pressure: A new commentary argues that tracking profits through the supply chain is key to tackling illegal logging, illicit mining, land grabbing, and wildlife trafficking—because “pricing nature” can’t stop criminal markets. Fire Funding Gap: A new South America fire fund aims to help protect the Amazon, Pantanal, and Chiquitania, but a UN-linked report highlights a major funding shortfall and exclusions beyond the region.

New Climate Firefighting Fund: A UN-backed $100M firefighting fund launched at New York Climate Week aims to protect tropical forests in South America, but critics warn a major funding gap remains and Africa and Southeast Asia are left out as Amazon wildfires worsen. El Niño Watch: Multiple explainers flag a “super El Niño” forming in the Pacific, with forecasts of floods, droughts, extreme heat, and crop losses—plus major health impacts—into 2027. Bolivia Biodiversity Breakthrough: Scientists formally name Bolivia’s Yungas cloud-forest “tilcayo” wild cat (Leopardus tilcayo), the first new living feline species described in over a century, raising urgent questions about how many survive and what threatens them. Bolivia Climate & Warming Signals: New research maps where warming accelerates in waves, including Bolivia, showing regional speed-ups that can make adaptation harder. Carbon Markets Deal: Oro Ecológico Nexus, EcoGuard Global, and Envex Technologies announce an alliance to link land rights, digital verification, and carbon credit trading across 27+ million hectares in Latin America. Bolivia–India Ties: Bolivia highlights deeper cooperation with India after India opens a resident embassy in La Paz, including talks on lithium and AI/energy transition.