Pallas cat | Facts & Information

# Pallas Cat | Facts & Information

Pallas Cat | Discover Fascinating Facts and Information About Pallas Cat

The Pallas cat, a species of wild cat, was discovered in the Caspian Sea, in the C. 18, 1776, by Peter Pallas, who also gave her name, and was originally considered the ancestor of Persian cats, due to the conformation of the face. It is also known as Manul.

Subspecies:

Read More on Pallas Cat
Pallas Cat

Pallas Cat

The Pallas Cat, also known as Manul, is a species of wild cat found in the mountain regions of Central Asia. This fascinating cat has a unique appearance and is often considered a true treasure of nature due to its beauty and adaptability to extreme environments.

The Pallas Cat is one of the smallest species of wild cats in the world, measuring approximately 50-65 centimeters in length and weighing up to 4-5 kilograms. It has a massive and robust body, with short legs and a fluffy, long tail. Its fur is dense and soft, usually gray or brown in color with typical spots or stripes that provide excellent camouflage in its natural environment.

A notable characteristic of this cat is its broad and round skull, with small and round ears. This feature gives it a distinctive look and adds a touch of adorability. Another surprising trait is its large and round eyes, which are usually yellow or green in color, and its vertical pupils demonstrate its ability to hunt in low light conditions.

The Pallas Cat is a species that prefers to live in mountainous regions, especially in the transition zone between steppe and mountains. It adapts to different types of habitats, including arid areas, deserts, and steppes. It can also be found in Central Asia, in countries such as Mongolia, Kazakhstan, China, and Russia.

This wild cat has a diverse diet, feeding on rodents, birds, hares, and other small mammals that it mainly hunts at night. The Pallas Cat is a skilled hunter, using its excellent hearing and vision to catch its prey. It also often goes on long hunts to obtain the necessary food, as it is not abundant in its natural environment.

The social behavior of the Manul is solitary, preferring to keep its territory to itself. However, these cats can form pairs during the mating season. After a gestation period of approximately 66-75 days, the female gives birth to 2-6 cubs, which are mainly gray in color without spots and become independent at around six months old.

From a conservation perspective, the Pallas Cat is classified as an endangered species. This is mainly due to illegal hunting and the destruction of its habitats, caused by human development in the regions where it lives. Some states have implemented conservation measures to protect this beautiful species, such as nature reserves and reintroduction programs into its natural environment.

In conclusion, the Pallas Cat, or Manul, is a remarkable species of wild cat that lives in the mountain regions of Central Asia. With its unique appearance and extraordinary adaptability, this fascinating cat has captivated the imagination of people around the world. However, it is important to prioritize the conservation of this fragile species and provide them with the opportunity to live in their natural environment safely and prosperously.

890

Animals

36

Species

8

Languages

32

Facts

Origin

Manul can now be found from Iran to Southern Asia and parts of China. For a long time the animal was hunted for its thick fur, but now it is protected in many regions, especially in China.

It is native to the steppes of Central Asia where it can be seen up to altitudes above 5000m in the Tibetan Plateau.

Pallas Cat Food

They feed on small mammals, mostly rodents or birds. Among other animals in their menu we find gerbils, partridges or young marmots.

Appearance Pallas Cat

The dimensions of this feline are approximately equal to those of a domestic cat: 60 cm long, excluding the tail, 25 cm long and the average weight of 3.6 kg.

The body is covered with a long sand-colored fur or in shades of gray, with white vertical stripes, which, although not clearly visible due to the rich fur, give it a "brown"appearance. His legs are short and thick, compared to his body size.

The small head has a vargat facial collar, and its face is almost flat. The striped tail shows dark/dark rings at the base and tip; similar markings can be noted on the dorsal side of the body.

The Pallas cat has several characteristics that clearly differentiate it from other felines, the most striking of which is the round shape of the pupils. The legs are extremely short, the dorsal part of the body is bulky, and the coat is long and dense.

The combination of solid body constitution and thick fur gives it an energetic and elegant look. The fur changes color depending on the seasons, so in winter it is gray, and the patterns are less noticeable. The ears arranged laterally, covered with hair make it somehow resemble an owl.

Otocolobus manul manul

Otocolobus Manul ferruginea

Otocolobus Manul nigripecta

Behavior Pallas Cat

Pallas cats are generally nocturnal, less sociable animals that sleep in small caves or stony areas, sometimes using shelters abandoned by other animals.

They are solitary animals, both males and females mark their territory. They do not have speed, so speed is not their main weapon. Ambush, powerful claws and canines are the main assets of pallas cat hiding behind rocks or dense vegetation.

This type of feline is not domesticated and is extremely difficult to breed in captivity, most of the offspring dying. The reason is their immune system, which in the Wild is not obliged to develop, given the isolation in which they live. In captivity, however, it comes into contact with all kinds of viruses and microbes from humans or animals.

Breeding Pallas Cat

Males do not meet outside the mating season and avoid as much as possible. When they don't get along on territory, mostly males show their fangs with threatening canines to intimidate rivals and sometimes have fights. The loser has to give in to his rival.

The mating season lasts about 42 days, but females are only receptive for 26-42 hours. The sounds made by Pallas cats during this period resemble the screams of owls.

After mating, a gestation period of 9-10 weeks follows, after which the Pallas cat gives birth between 3 and 6 puppies, in April or May of the year. They have a fluffy, grey coat.

Babies are born in a burrow sheltered on a bed of dry vegetation, fur, feathers, etc.at birth they weigh around 90 grams. Fluff from birth changes with adult fur from two months of age. At four months they start hunting, and at six months they are already the size of an adult.

In captivity they live up to 11 years.

#Photo Gallery of Pallas Cat

More Pallas Cat images!

Uncover fascinating facts about Pallas Cat - from its behavior to habitat and diet. Explore our comprehensive guide to learn more!

Pallas cat | Facts & InformationPallas Cat | Discover Fascinating Facts and Information About Pallas Cat