Generally, the Pallas’s cat is considered to be widespread but not common across its range and has a fragmented distribution.
Population number According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Pallas’s cat is estimated as 15,315 mature individuals. The initial target population has been set at 80 individuals.
Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. An SSP is recommended. Manul Cat or Pallas Cat, are wild cats found in Central Asia and Eurasia. It is considered widespread but nowhere very common. Populations of Pallas’s cats may vary directly with their prey base and appear to be most numerous where pikas and voles are abundant. How rare is this cat ? This species’ numbers are decreasing today and it is classified … Pallas’ cats, especially young, are highly susceptible to toxoplasmosis. Like many animals classified as "Near Threatened" by the IUCN, the Pallas cat population is in danger of entering the more serious "Vulnerable" category.
The largest populations of Pallas’s cats are believed to exist in Mongolia. Education of the public and enforcement of wildlife protection laws are important strategies to help the animal's population.
Pallas Cats are named after Peter Pallas, a German Naturalist who classified the cat as “Felis Manul” in 1776. Once reached, the target will need to be increased to achieve genetic and demographic objectives. Scientifically Manul Cats are called as Otocolobus which in the Greek language means “Ugly eared”.
An international studbook is currently in place. Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul) Recognised subspecies – Otoclobus manul manul & Otocolobus manul nigripectus (Otocolobus manul ferrugineus declined as subspecies with “orange” form stated as regional colour variation) Population estimation – 15,315 mature individuals; Population trend – decreasing