Pallas' cats have the stern expression of a wild cat. (Image credit: xtrekx/Getty Images) KEY FACTS
Name: Pallas's cat (Otocolobus manul).
Habitat: Central Asian steppes and mountain meadows, mainly Mongolia and China.
Diet: small rodents (gerbils, hamsters, pikas), as well as small lizards and birds.
The Pallas's cat, or manul, is a Central Asian predator of the cat family that makes sounds reminiscent of a dog's bark and has such short legs that chasing prey sometimes causes difficulties. Scientists classify it as one of the most ancient modern representatives of the feline family, having evolved from their leopard ancestors about 5.2 million years ago.
Despite its massive appearance, the body length of this animal is comparable to the size of domestic cats. Thick fur serves as protection from the harsh conditions of the Central Asian highlands and steppes. The species is rarely encountered due to its secretive solitary lifestyle – during the day, the animal hides in rocky crevices and abandoned burrows.
They are active at dusk and at night. They hunt primarily by ambush, waiting for rodents at the entrances to burrows, although some individuals can obtain food by penetrating underground passages with their paws, as indicated by studies by the Smithsonian Institution and the Institute of Conservation Biology.
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Even during daytime activity, it is extremely difficult to spot a Pallas's cat. The greyish or golden colour of the fur changes seasonally for optimal camouflage in the environment. The light tips of the hairs create a powdery effect, making the animal virtually invisible among rocks and bushes.
The perfection of the Pallas's cat's camouflage in natural conditions.
Low-set rounded ears provide additional camouflage, allowing them to observe their surroundings without revealing their position. Only the fluffy tail, which makes up about a third of the total body length, can reveal the presence of a predator.
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A distinctive anatomical feature is the round pupils (instead of vertical ones in most small cats), which improve the assessment of distances when hunting. The characteristic sound repertoire includes shrill sounds when excited, which bring the Pallas's cat closer to canines, but traditional purring and growling are also present.
The average lifespan in the wild is 8-9 years. Unusually large individual territories (9-18 km²) are regularly marked with odorous secretions.
According to Edinburgh Zoo, Pallas' cats use their tails as pads for their paws, but the link between cold climates and their characteristic sullen expression remains unproven.
RUBRIC wild nature
Sasha PareSocial NetworksStaff Correspondent
A regular contributor to Live Science based in the UK. She holds a BA in Biology from the University of Southampton and an MA in Science Communication from Imperial College London. Her work has appeared in The Guardian and the health website Zoe. Her hobbies include tennis, cooking and collecting vintage items.
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