The Pallas's Cat, the Cat that Time Forgot

Endemic the grasslands and montane steppes of Central Asia, this feline, similar to a big domestic cat, is a specimen as irresistible as it is elusive.

Image Credit Flickr User Tambako the Jaguar

The Pallas's cat (Otocolobus manul) or Manul, is an elusive feline that inhabits the arid steppes of Central Asia. This curious specimen, similar to a big cat, is the only representative of its kind Otocolobus.

It is particularly difficult to observe this species which favors high altitude areas, far from any human activity. Perfectly adapted to cold environment, it evolves within rocky areas and mountain ravines.

Although there are reports of the existence of these animals at more than 4,500 meters, most of the observations documented have been made at lower altitudes in more accessible areas.

Pallas' cat remains unknown and for good reason, it is one of the least studied cats in the world. However, field studies have collected some information about the character, way of life and behavior of this curious species and the least we can say is that it has everything to be an Internet star.

The Manul indeed looks like a big domestic cat more hairy and more expressive. Its coat, which can vary from gray to brown, is particularly thick to withstand low temperatures. Its short legs, its rounded head and small ears give the animal an aspect more irresistible.

Pallas's cat is moreover solitary and impossible to tame. Breeding in captivity is a real challenge because these high altitude animals do not have an immune system that can fight low altitude viruses.

Image Credit Pixabay User Kaz

Wildlife conservation organizations must redouble their efforts to prevent the extinction of this species listed as "Near Threatened" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list.