Pallas's cat

Also known as manul, Pallas' cat

species of mammal

AI overview

Pallas's cat is a small wild cat species found in the mountains and grasslands of Central Asia, known for its stocky build, thick fur, and flat face that gives it a distinctive appearance. Though little studied and rarely seen by humans, this species matters because understanding its habitat needs and population status helps conservationists protect the remote ecosystems where it lives.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Species

Least Concern

Maximum longevity: 15.9 years (captivity) Observations: One captive specimen was at least 15.9 years of age when it died (Richard Weigl 2005).

via IUCN

Wikidata facts

Image: Otocolobus manul -Zurich Zoo-8a.jpg

Sources (3)

via Wikidata · CC0

Article

Pallas's cat (Otocolobus manul), also called manul, is a small wild cat with long and dense light grey fur, and rounded ears set low on the sides of the head. Its head-and-body length ranges from 46 to 65 cm (18 to 26 in) with a 21–31 cm (8.3–12.2 in) long bushy tail. It is well camouflaged and adapted to the cold continental climate in its native range, which receives little rainfall and experiences a wide range of temperatures.

Pallas's cat was first described in 1776 by Peter Simon Pallas, who observed it in the vicinity of Lake Baikal. Since then, it has been recorded across a large region in Central Asia, albeit in widely spaced sites from the Caucasus, Iranian Plateau, Hindu Kush, parts of the Himalayas, Tibetan Plateau to the Altai-Sayan region and South Siberian Mountains. It inhabits rocky montane grasslands and shrublands, where the snow cover is below 15–20 cm (6–8 in). It finds shelter in rock crevices and burrows, and preys foremost on lagomorphs and rodents. The female gives birth to between two and six kittens in spring.