Pallas’s Cat

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

About Pallas’s Cat

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.

Distribution of Pallas’s Cat

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 and Ecology

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.

Distinctive Features

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.

Conservation Status

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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