Pallas
Cat (Manul)
Felis
(Otocolobus) manul
Gorbeh Pallas - in Persian
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Photo
of this species from Iran is not available. A picture will
appear here as soon as possible.
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General
information:
The Pallas'
cat, or manul, is a small Asian cat that was named after a Greman
naturalist, Peter Pallas, who first described this cat and noted that
the cat is missing the front pre-molar teeth, giving it 28 teeth instead
of 30, as in most felids. He also, suggested that it was the ancestor
of the Persian breeds of domestic cats because of its long fur, stocky
build and flattened face.
We
need photo and more inforamtion about this animal from Iran.
Appearance:
It has small, rounded
ears, set very low on the sides of the head. Its large eyes are set
high and forward, and unlike other felids, the pupils are round. There
are 2 dark streaks across each side of its small broad head and its
bushy tail is tipped with 4 black rings. similar dark markings can
also be seen across the side of its back. Its large body is covered
with long fur, Varying from light gray to yellowish-brown, with the
white tips of the hair which provides a good source of insulation
for an animal that lives in the cold climates. Its coat is longer
and denser than that of any other species of cat. The heavy body (about
3-5 kg) is supported on short stocky legs which are well suited for
climbing. The body length of 50-65 cm, and a tail length of 21cm to
30 cm. this sizes are similar to that of a large domestic cat.
Habitat:
Its habitat varies
from rocky desert through woodlands steppes to barren mountainous
regions up to 4,000 metres. They make their dens in caves, crevices,
or burrows dug by other animals. They tend to hide in caves or hollows
during the day and hunt at night under the cover of darkness.
Breeding:
This species is
a seasonal breeder depending on its region of habitat. Females have
up to 4 - 6 kittens after a gestation of 66 days. kittens weighing
between 70 to 100 grams and will leave the protection of the burrow
after they are 8 weeks old. Life Span - 12 years
Prey:
The palas cat is
a lone, nocturnal hunter and it's main food seems to be rodents and
small mammals. They hunt their prey by chasing, or also by waiting
outside of dens and ambushing the prey.
Distribution
in Iran:
Found in some parts
of the country from the north to the central, like:
* Mooteh
Wildlife Refuge in the north of Isfahan Province (central of Iran)
* Tandooreh
National Park in Khorasan Province ( northeast of Iran)
Population
Status in Iran:
There is
not any report of the nombers or their status in Iran.