Scientists have confirmed the existence of the elusive and grumpy-looking Pallas’s cat, also referred to as the manul, in the vicinity of Mount Everest. This stocky gray wildcat, which resembles the size of a typical housecat, inhabits the vast steppes and grasslands of Central Asia, making it an uncommon sight for human beings due to its solitary lifestyle and remote location.
The elusive Pallas’s cats, also known as manuls, remained undiscovered until 2019, with at least two of them residing somewhere along the Southern Flank of Mount Everest. This discovery holds immense value for researchers and conservationists globally, as well as being simply adorable to everyone else.
These rare felines, with a size comparable to that of typical house cats, possess adorable differences with their short legs and thick, fluffy fur that gives them a plump, stuffed animal appearance. Despite their appearance, they are actually lighter and smaller, thanks to their insulating fur that protects them from the cold. Their agility in climbing rocky cliffs and crags makes Mount Everest a suitable habitat for them. However, their aggressive nature means they cannot be kept as pets and their pictures alone bring immense happiness to people.
“It is phenomenal to discover proof of this rare and remarkable species at the top of the world,” said Dr. Tracie Seimon of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Zoological Health Program.
Their wide faces and big ears give them a look reminiscent of a Disney character, as they roam the slopes of Mount Everest. Further studies will uncover the precise number of Pallas’s cats living on the mountain and aid in their preservation, ensuring they can continue to live fulfilling lives.
BREAKING: world's greatest animal found on world's highest mountain via non-invasive genetics! The idea of a Pallas's cat sneering at elite climbers from behind a rock is truly warming my heart 🥰https://t.co/nv0SyBr9hD
— Paige Byerly, PhD (@paigebyerly) January 26, 2023
