
Pallas Cat


Eats
They are carnivores and prey upon small rodents and birds. These cats are crepuscular hunters, meaning they hunt mostly during dawn and dusk.
Lives
Pallas Cats live in grassland plains without trees in Asia up to 13,000 feet in elevation
Behavior
Description
Their flat forehead and low ears allow them to peek over bushes and rocks without exposing themselves to their prey.
Also known as the manul
Instead of closing to a slit like other small cats, Pallas cat pupils close to form a small circle.
Pallas cats' long, dense fur protects them from frostbite and the cold temperatures they can encounter in the rocky deserts and the barren mountainous regions of Iran, southern Asia and western China.
Did you Know?
A thick coat of shaggy fur and a long, bushy tail help combat extreme temperatures that reach lows nearing -60ºF.
How can I Help?
Pallas Cats used to be hunted for their fur, but are now a legally protected species. They are regarded as beneficial to the environment now because they feed on agricultural pests, such as mice and rats. For AZA (Associate of Zoos and Aquariums) and within the SSP (Species Survival Plan) a plan is being put into place that will serve to maximize genetic variation within the captive population.


