Felis manul, commonly known as the manul or Pallas's cat, is a small wild cat species that belongs to the Felidae family. It is native to the Central Asian regions of Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, China, and parts of Iran and Pakistan. Considered the oldest cat species in the world, Felis manul is known for its unique appearance and distinctive characteristics.
The manul has a robust build with a compact body and short legs. It is roughly the size of a domestic cat, measuring around 50 to 65 centimeters in length and weighing 2 to 4 kilograms. This cat has a dense, long fur coat that usually has a light gray or sandy color, enabling it to blend effectively with its rocky, arid habitat.
Felis manul is characterized by its round face with low-set ears, which are smaller and less prominent compared to other cat species. Its wide, expressive eyes are intensely colored, ranging from yellow or amber to green or blue. These features, combined with its flattened face, contribute to its distinctive appearance.
The manul is primarily a solitary and nocturnal animal, adapting well to the harsh environments of its natural habitat, which include rocky slopes, grasslands, and montane steppes. It feeds mainly on small mammals, such as rodents, pikas, and birds. Due to its elusive nature, not much is known about its reproductive behavior in the wild.
Unfortunately, the manul is facing various threats in the form of habitat loss, climate change, and illegal hunting, primarily for its fur. Consequently, it is classified as "Near Threatened" on the IUCN Red List, warranting conservation efforts to protect this unique and ancient feline species.
