AGP Executive Report

New Species Spotlight (Bolivia): Scientists have formally named a new wild cat from Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests—Leopardus tilcayo (“Tigrino”)—the first living cat species described in over a century, based on genomic work; the tiny feline (about 1.4 kg) has been living at the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary since 2017 after being mistaken for a house kitten, and it’s now drawing visitors who often can’t see it because the cat is easily stressed. Wildlife & Biodiversity: The discovery underscores how much remains unknown in South America’s “tiger cat” group, with researchers reporting multiple distinct species in the lineage. Regional Environment Context: Separate reporting highlights how conservation in the wider Amazon region could face pressure from shifting politics and enforcement priorities, with experts warning that policy reversals could worsen deforestation and contamination risks. Climate/Policy Watch: UNGA-related diplomacy also continues to link climate action with technology and renewable energy cooperation across countries.

New Species Spotlight (Bolivia): Scientists have formally named Leopardus tilcayo (“tilcayo”/“Tigrino”), the first living wild cat species described in over a century, after genomic work on a tiny spotted feline found near La Paz and raised at the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary. The cat is smaller than a house cat (about 3 pounds) and lives in Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests. Conservation & Tourism Pressure: The discovery has turned Tigrino into an unexpected tourist draw, but caretakers keep him mostly out of public view because he’s easily stressed. Wildlife Research in Action: A Costa Rica-led documentary team has also filmed the tilcayo’s hunting behavior, including stalking and playing with prey, offering fresh visibility into a species researchers say still faces major habitat threats.

New Species, Big Attention: Bolivia’s cloud forests near La Paz have produced a rare scientific headline: Leopardus tilcayo (the “tilcayo” tiger cat), the first newly described living wild cat species in more than a century. The only confirmed living member, a small male nicknamed “Tigrino,” lives at the Senda Verde sanctuary, where caretakers keep him out of public view because he’s easily stressed—yet crowds still flock to catch a glimpse. Conservation Watch: Researchers say the discovery also raises urgent questions about protecting the cat’s Yungas habitat, especially as scientists learn more about its behavior and threats. Wildlife Discovery Beyond Cats: In Beni, a lizard sought since 2023 was finally photographed and identified as Tropidurus madeiramore, adding another piece to Bolivia’s still-unfolding biodiversity story.

Wildlife Discovery: Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests have yielded a major science win: researchers formally named a new wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo (“tilcayo”), the first living feline described in over a century, based on genomic work and museum DNA; the only confirmed living individual is a ~10-year-old male at the Senda Verde sanctuary. Conservation & Threats: Reporting around the discovery highlights how little is known about the cat’s population and habits, while warning that its habitat faces pressure—making the find a fresh conservation priority for Bolivia’s threatened Yungas. Fuel Policy & Food Security: Former President Evo Morales criticized Bolivia’s diesel subsidy withdrawal ahead of planting, saying it shifts costs onto small producers and could worsen hunger risks amid climate stress. Finance Watch: Bolivia lawmakers approved an IMF $1.9B deal tied to stabilization steps, including fuel subsidy elimination and reforms aimed at restoring external financing access. Regional Environment: Elsewhere in the region, authorities tracked unhealthy air from haze possibly linked to forest fires abroad.

Wildlife Discovery: Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests have a new scientific star: Leopardus tilcayo (“tilcayo tiger cat”), the first living wild cat species formally named in over a century, described in Current Biology after DNA work on a cat long kept at the Senda Verde sanctuary near La Paz. Researchers say it’s smaller than a house cat, with leopard-like rosettes, and only one living individual is confirmed so far. Conservation Action: In La Paz, Guardianas del Conchalito—12 women’s group—has spent 15+ years restoring a degraded coastal wetland, protecting mangroves and rebuilding habitat through patrols, cleanups, and sustainable oyster cultivation. Policy Pressure on Food Systems: Former President Evo Morales criticized Bolivia’s diesel subsidy withdrawal, warning it shifts costs onto agricultural producers ahead of planting, amid El Niño-linked climate threats and an extended state of exception. Mining Watch: Orvana Minerals reported first copper cathodes from its Don Mario oxide stockpile project in Bolivia, but said ramp-up is slower than expected and revised production guidance.

Wildlife Breakthrough (Bolivia): Scientists have formally identified a new wild cat species in Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests—Leopardus tilcayo (tilcayo tiger cat)—the first newly named living feline species in more than 100 years, based on genetic work comparing specimens and museum DNA; the only confirmed living individual is a male at the Senda Verde sanctuary. Conservation Angle: Researchers say the discovery also reshapes the “tiger cat” family tree into five distinct species, meaning conservation plans may need to treat populations separately. Climate & Land Use Context: Separate reporting highlights how forest restoration and protection can support climate resilience and food security, underscoring the stakes for threatened biomes like the Yungas. Regional Policy Watch: Bolivia lawmakers approved an IMF $1.9B financing deal tied to fuel subsidy changes and broader economic reforms—moves that could affect environmental management and local livelihoods.

Wildlife Discovery: Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests have yielded a major biodiversity win: scientists formally described Leopardus tilcayo (the tilcayo tiger cat), the first newly named living wild cat species in over 100 years, based on genetic work comparing samples from 38 cats and museum material; the species is tiny (about 1.4 kg), spotted, and so far only two live individuals are confirmed, with one cared for at the Senda Verde sanctuary near La Paz. Conservation Angle: Researchers say the finding reshapes the “tiger cat” family tree into multiple distinct species, meaning conservation plans and threat assessments may need to be redone for each lineage. Policy Watch: In parallel, Bolivia’s lawmakers approved a $1.9 billion IMF deal to address foreign-currency shortages and fiscal deterioration, including fuel subsidy cuts and broader economic reforms that could affect environmental and community priorities.

Wildlife Discovery in Bolivia’s Yungas: Scientists have formally named a new living wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo (the “tilcayo” cat), in the cloud forests of the Yungas near La Paz—marking the first new living feline species described in more than 100 years. The tiny, leopard-spotted cat (about 46 cm long and ~1.4 kg) was long known locally but was mistaken for other “tiger cat” species until DNA work showed its lineage split from relatives around 1.4 million years ago. The breakthrough began when a local family took in a “weird cat” kitten, later handing it to the Senda Verde wildlife sanctuary, where researchers compared genomes from dozens of Leopardus cats (including museum material) to confirm it as a distinct species. Conservation Angle: Researchers say the find is a reminder that biodiversity can still be hiding in plain sight—and that protecting Yungas forests is crucial for species we’re only just starting to understand.

Wildlife Discovery: Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests have yielded the first newly named living cat species in more than a century: Leopardus tilcayo (the tilcayo tiger cat). Scientists say genetic testing confirmed it as a distinct lineage that split from other tiger cats about 1.4 million years ago, after the animal was first noticed in 2016 when a local man mistook a tiny spotted “kitten” for a domestic cat and later surrendered it to the Senda Verde wildlife sanctuary near La Paz. Conservation Watch: Researchers still don’t know how many tilcayo remain in the wild, but they warn habitat loss from expanding agriculture and development could threaten the species; early diet clues come from rodent remains in scat and camera-trap signs it may be more active at night. Climate Pressure Beyond Bolivia: Farther afield, El Niño-driven drought is devastating Central America’s Dry Corridor, killing livestock and wiping out harvests for more than 10 million people—an environmental stress story that underscores how fast wildlife and food systems can unravel under extreme heat and water shortages.

Wildlife Discovery in Bolivia: Scientists have formally identified a new cloud-forest wild cat, Leopardus tilcayo (tilcayo cat), from Bolivia’s Yungas, using genetic work on tiger cats; the species is smaller than a house cat and was first noticed after a local family turned over a kitten to the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary. Climate & Place: A new discussion piece argues the Amazon could become a “climate capital,” but only if Indigenous and local communities shape the agenda across borders. Bolivia Mining Oversight: Bolivia is overhauling its mining law, aiming for stronger rules and “responsible environmental management,” while civil society and Indigenous groups raise concerns about how changes are being handled. Regional Drought Impacts: El Niño-linked drought is killing animals and wiping out crops across Central America’s Dry Corridor, with families facing hunger and severe water shortages. Conservation Hope in the Region: Olive ridley sea turtles are nesting on La Paz beaches, with federal authorities protecting 14 nests and monitoring them through hatching. Policy Pressure in Bolivia: Bolivia’s government approved a 90-day extension of the state of exception, drawing criticism that it could be used to curb protests.

El Niño Drought Crisis: Central America’s Dry Corridor is getting hammered by the strongest El Niño in decades, with dead animals, failed corn fields, and families skipping meals as water tanks run dry and temperatures soar to record levels. Bolivia Mining Reform: Bolivia has begun overhauling its mining code, aiming for clearer rules and “responsible environmental management,” but civil society and Indigenous groups warn the process could still threaten communities and ecosystems. Wildlife on the Move in Bolivia: Olive ridley sea turtles are nesting on La Paz beaches, with federal authorities protecting 14 identified nests and monitoring sites until hatching. Climate & Health in the Region: Brazil is planning major public health upgrades to handle more frequent climate extremes, including heat and floods, as El Niño conditions intensify. Amazon Pressure Watch: Experts warn right-wing shifts across Amazon countries could expand mining and agribusiness, raising the risk of environmental tipping points. Conservation Spotlight: Scientists report a rare encounter involving endangered Bolivian river dolphins and an anaconda, reigniting questions about dolphin behavior and survival in river ecosystems.

Bolivia Forest Fight: A 30,000-hectare Bolivian forest has been sold to Bom Futuro, tied to one of the world’s largest soy firms, raising fears that up to two-thirds could be cleared—while a preservation bid backed by Rabobank’s sustainability arm lost, and conflict-of-interest questions are now in focus. Climate Pressure: Across the Central American Dry Corridor, El Niño-linked drought is killing livestock, leaving fields barren, and driving families to cut meals as water runs short. Indigenous Carbon Markets: In Bolivia’s Pando Amazon, Indigenous groups say “climate solutions” and carbon-market deals are being pushed without clear understanding or consent, with leaders describing the forest as living land—not a commodity. Wildlife Research: Bolivian river dolphins were photographed with an anaconda in their beaks, reigniting debate over whether the encounter was play, teaching behavior, or something else. Governance Under Strain: Bolivia’s government extended a state of exception for 90 days amid protests over neoliberal measures, drawing criticism that it could criminalize mobilizations. Amazon Conservation Risk: Experts warn that right-wing leadership could control up to 95% of the Amazon by 2027, threatening conservation cooperation and raising tipping-point fears.

Bolivia’s Carbon Markets Under Fire: In Pando, Indigenous leaders say “climate solutions” tied to carbon markets are being sold to foreigners without real understanding or consent, after Bolivia’s constitutional court struck down a related ban in 2024—raising fresh alarms about turning “invisible air” into a commodity. Amazon Rights at Risk: A separate report warns “carbon fever” could erode hard-won Indigenous rights across the Bolivian Amazon as climate finance and conservation deals expand. River Dolphin Mystery: Researchers in Bolivia captured rare images of Bolivian river dolphins carrying anacondas in their beaks, reopening questions about the behavior’s purpose and risks for wildlife study. El Niño Impacts Regionally: Central America is facing a severe El Niño drought, with dead animals, barren fields, and hunger across the Dry Corridor—an environmental stress test that echoes the climate pressures Bolivia communities already face. Governance Crackdown: Bolivia extended its state of exception for 90 days amid protests against neoliberal measures, with critics saying it targets mobilizations—an issue that can shape how environmental and land conflicts play out.

Bolivian Amazon Biodiversity: Researchers have resurfaced rare images of endangered Bolivian river dolphins carrying an anaconda in their beaks, reigniting debate over whether the behavior was play, teaching, or something else. Indigenous Rights vs Carbon Markets: In Bolivia’s Pando Amazon, Indigenous groups say “climate solutions” tied to carbon trading are being marketed to outsiders without real understanding or consent, raising fears that droughts and floods are being used to sell access to their forest. Wildlife Crime in Bolivia: A Bolivia report highlights ongoing illegal wildlife trafficking despite penalties, citing dozens of native species traded and warning that weak enforcement fuels demand for animal parts and live pets. Regional Conservation Context: A new study says the Amazon basin holds over 2,700 freshwater fish species, underscoring why protecting connected river systems matters before restoration becomes harder and costlier.

Bolivian Amazon Carbon Rights: Indigenous leaders in Pando say “carbon solutions” deals are being sold to outsiders without clear understanding or consent, raising fears that carbon-market funding could undermine land rights as droughts and floods intensify. Wildlife in Focus: Bolivia researchers documented rare river-dolphin behavior involving an anaconda, offering a rare look at how little-studied freshwater wildlife interacts in the wild. Biodiversity Under Pressure: A Bolivia wildlife-trafficking report says 120 native species are illegally traded, with penalties viewed as too weak as threatened species counts rise. Regional Conservation Lens: A study on the Amazon finds over 2,700 freshwater fish species, underscoring why protecting connected river systems matters before restoration becomes harder. Ag Tech Adoption Gap: IICA reports agriculture has digital tools, but adoption lags—highlighting a practical hurdle for sustainable farming progress across the region.

Bolivian Amazon Rights Under Pressure: In Pando, Indigenous communities warn that “carbon” deals are being sold to outsiders without real understanding or consent, after Bolivia’s constitutional court struck down a carbon-market funding ban in 2024—fueling fears that climate finance is becoming another form of dispossession. Wildlife Crime in Bolivia: A report highlights how wildlife trafficking persists despite penalties, with dozens of native species illegally traded and many threatened by capture for pets, feathers, and body parts. Freshwater Biodiversity Spotlight: New findings on the Amazon’s fish diversity underscore how protecting connected river systems can prevent major biodiversity loss—relevant for Bolivia’s river ecosystems. Endangered River Dolphins Encounter: Researchers shared rare images of Bolivian river dolphins with an anaconda in their beaks, sparking debate over whether the behavior was play, teaching, or something else. BRICS and “Sustainability” Talk: While not Bolivia-specific, the New Delhi Declaration and summit plans repeatedly link resilience, technology, and sustainability—alongside debates over technology “weaponisation” and critical minerals.