First Photographic Evidence of Pallas’s Cat in Himachal Pradesh

A recent discovery in Himachal Pradesh has provided the first photographic evidence of the elusive Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul) in the region. Captured during a snow leopard survey in the Kinnaur area, these images offer valuable insights into the presence and distribution of this rare feline species in India.

About Pallas’s Cat

Physical Characteristics: Pallas’s cats are small, solitary felines known for their dense, silvery-grey fur, flat faces, and rounded ears. Their nocturnal and elusive nature makes them challenging to study.

Habitat and Distribution: Native to Central Asia, Pallas’s cats inhabit rocky steppes and cold deserts at elevations up to 5,000 meters. Their known range includes Mongolia, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, and parts of Iran.

Diet: They primarily feed on small mammals like voles and pikas, as well as birds and insects.

Conservation Status: Listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List, Pallas’s cats face threats from habitat destruction, hunting, and climate change.