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

These adaptations make the Pallas’s cat extremely well-suited to its cold, arid habitat.

Conservation Status

Despite its “Least Concern” status, the species faces localized threats due to:

• Habitat fragmentation

• Hunting for fur

• Decrease in prey populations