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Pallas's Cat

Pallas's cat (*Otocolobus manul*), also called the manul, is a small wild cat native to Central Asia.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pallas's cat (*Otocolobus manul*), also called the manul, is a small wild cat native to Central Asia. It is adapted to cold, arid grasslands and rocky habitats and is known for its thick fur, stocky body, and low-set ears. The species is currently listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.

Taxonomy

Pallas's cat is the only living species in the genus *Otocolobus*. It was first described in 1776 by the German naturalist Peter Simon Pallas, after whom it is named, and is classified within the family Felidae.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs across Central Asia, especially in grasslands and montane steppes, and also uses deserts and rocky terrain. Its range includes parts of Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, and neighbouring countries, but the distribution is broad and fragmented.

Behaviour and diet

Pallas's cat is secretive, solitary, and adapted to life in harsh environments. It preys mainly on small mammals and also takes birds and insects, hunting primarily at dawn and dusk.

Conservation

The species is listed as Near Threatened because of habitat degradation, declining prey, and hunting pressure. Local populations are affected unevenly across its range, with poaching and habitat loss being the most significant threats.

Key facts

  • Pallas's cat is a small wild felid native to Central Asia.
  • It has dense, long fur and a compact body adapted to cold climates.
  • The species is solitary and mainly hunts small mammals and birds.
  • Main threats include habitat loss, prey decline, and poaching.
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Canadian context

Pallas's cat is of interest to Canadian readers mainly through wildlife conservation, zoo education, and comparative mammalogy; it is not native to Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Pallas's cat?
Pallas's cat is a small wild cat species native to Central Asia, known scientifically as *Otocolobus manul*.
Why is it called manul?
Manul is the species' alternative common name, used in parts of its range and in scientific and conservation sources.
Where does Pallas's cat live?
It lives in grasslands, montane steppes, deserts, and rocky areas across Central Asia.
What does Pallas's cat eat?
It mainly hunts small mammals and also eats birds and insects.
Is Pallas's cat endangered?
It is currently listed as Near Threatened, meaning it is not endangered but faces significant conservation pressures.

References

  1. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pallas's_cat
    Supports: Common name, scientific name, habitat, and Near Threatened status.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/Pallass-cat
    Supports: Name origin, habitat, and general species description.
  3. Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute — https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/pallas-cat
    Supports: Range, habitat, and behavioural adaptation details.
  4. Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute — https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/10-fascinating-facts-about-pallass-cat-small-and-grumpy-wild-cat
    Supports: Genus status, conservation threats, and Near Threatened status.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pallas's_cat
    Supports: Scientific name, physical description, and body measurements.
  6. Discover Wildlife — https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/mammals/pallas-cat-facts
    Supports: Range, habitat, and first description by Peter Simon Pallas.