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DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
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11 October, 2025
4 Min Read
A recent wildlife survey in Arunachal Pradesh has yielded the first-ever photographic evidence of the elusive Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul) in the state
Scientific Name: Otocolobus manul
Common Names: Pallas’s cat, Manul
Described by: German naturalist Peter Simon Pallas in 1776, based on specimens from near Lake Baikal, Russia.
Family: Felidae (cat family)
It is a small wild cat species, known for its dense fur, stocky build, and remarkable adaptations to cold continental climates. Despite its size (similar to a domestic cat), it appears larger and fluffier due to its thick coat.
Geographical Range:
Native to Central Asia, its range extends across:
Mongolia, China, and Russia (border regions)
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and western Iran
Recent Indian Occurrence:
The Arunachal Pradesh finding marks a rare eastern extension of its known range.
It had previously been recorded in Ladakh and parts of the Trans-Himalayas.
Habitat Type:
Prefers rocky montane grasslands and shrublands—areas that provide natural cover and minimal snow accumulation (less than 15–20 cm).
Altitude Range:
Generally found in high-altitude steppe and alpine regions (3,000–5,000 m).
Diet:
Primarily preys on lagomorphs (pikas and hares) and rodents.
Occasionally feeds on small birds and insects.
|
Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Size |
Comparable to a domestic cat, but appears bulkier due to dense fur |
|
Fur Color |
Pale silvery-gray to light brown; helps in camouflage in rocky terrain |
|
Head & Ears |
Broad head, high-set eyes, and low-set ears — an adaptation for stealth |
|
Tail |
Ringed and tipped with black |
|
Fur Adaptation |
The fur on the underparts is twice as long as on the upper body, protecting it from cold ground temperatures |
These adaptations make the Pallas’s cat extremely well-suited to its cold, arid habitat.
|
Authority |
Status |
|---|---|
|
IUCN Red List |
Least Concern (LC) |
|
CITES |
Appendix II — trade regulated |
|
India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 |
Not specifically listed, but likely under Schedule I (as per related species) |
Despite its “Least Concern” status, the species faces localized threats due to:
Habitat fragmentation
Hunting for fur
Decrease in prey populations
Source: INDIAN EXPRESS
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