Pallas's cat

Pallas's cat is a small wild cat native to Central Asian grasslands and rocky habitats. Its dense fur, flattened face, and low-set rounded ears distinguish it from other cats.

Connect

Felinae: Felinae is the cat subfamily containing most living cat species, including Pallas's cat. Pallas's cat belongs to this subfamily, though its lineage is unusually distinct.
Ambush predation: Ambush predation is hunting by remaining concealed and striking prey at close range. Pallas's cats often approach small prey under cover before making a short attack.
Pallas's cat conservation: Pallas's cat conservation comprises research and actions intended to reduce threats and maintain viable wild populations. The species faces pressures that require coordinated protection across its range.
Snow leopard: The snow leopard is a large cat of Central and South Asian mountains, adapted to steep, rocky terrain. It shares parts of Pallas's cat's range but is much larger and hunts larger prey.
Wildlife population estimation: Wildlife population estimation uses observations and statistical models to infer the number of animals in a population. The cat's secretive habits make reliable counts difficult across its extensive range.
Manul: Manul is the common name for Pallas's cat, derived from a Mongolian name for the species. The name appears widely in Central Asian contexts and scientific literature.
Rodent: Rodents are mammals characterized by continuously growing incisors, including mice, voles, and marmots. Rodents form a major part of the cat's prey base.
IUCN Red List: The IUCN Red List assesses species' extinction risk using standardized criteria. Its assessment summarizes the species' global conservation status and known threats.
Sand cat: The sand cat is a small wild cat adapted to deserts in North Africa and southwestern and central Asia. Its small size invites comparison, but its desert adaptations differ from the manul's cold-steppe coat.
Species distribution modeling: Species distribution modeling estimates where a species can occur from environmental and geographic data. Models help identify suitable habitat where field observations are scarce.