For all of my cat people, the following video is for you.
The Manul (more commonly referred to as Pallas’ cat) is a small wildcat named and discovered by Peter Pallas, a German-born botanist and zoologist. These heavy-furred felines typically weigh between 5–9 pounds, and they’re not much bigger than domesticated cats; the biggest differences, of course, being their circular pupils, yellow irises, and stout legs. “Their habitat is characterized by an extreme continental climate with little rainfall, low humidity and a wide range of temperatures,” says the Wildcat Conservation website. “These little predators prefer valleys and rocky areas where they have some cover, and avoid completely open habitats.”
Manul are native to Central Asia, but they’re currently listed as an endangered species. A near-depletion of the Manul happened during the first part of the 20th century, at which time they were hunted for their luxurious fur coats. Animal conservationists are presently working to ensure their survival by raising awareness about the species.
Despite outward appearances, the Manul is not a friendly cat. They are, however, a very curious bunch, as evidenced by the following video. When a Pallas cat stumbles on a camera near his den, he stalks up to it in a way that can only be described as mesmerizing. It’s a must-see for the sensible cat person.
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