pallas cat

 pallas cat

The pallas cat (Felis manul), also known as Manul, is a small wild cat from Central Asia, living in countries like Mongolia and Russia. Its common name is derived from the name of the one who first described it, Peter Simon Pallas. They are about the size of a domestic cat, ranging from 50 to 62 cm, weigh an average of 4.5 kg. They are short and stocky, plump and have short legs. Its coat is gray but may also be in rusty tones. It has black spots on the head, and black stripes on the back and muzzle. It is a solitary feline, of nocturnal habits and aloof with humans. He eats small rodents and also birds, hunted by the ambush method.

 Their gestation lasts between 66 and 75 days, and up to six kittens can be born per litter. They can live for about 11 years in captivity, a time shorter than that of the domestic cat. The pallas cat is an endangered species as it was hunted to be sold as a pet and its skin was marketed. Now this is forbidden except in Mongolia. Even so, many poachers continue to disrespect the law and sell Manuls furs.