
For the first time in India’s history, scientists have captured photographic evidence of the elusive Pallas’s cat in Arunachal Pradesh. Known for its round face and piercing stare, this rare wild feline has long been a mystery to wildlife experts. The discovery not only excites conservationists but also shines a light on the hidden biodiversity of India’s northeastern mountains.
What is the Pallas’s Cat?
The Pallas’s cat, also called the manul, is a small wild feline found across Central Asia’s high-altitude grasslands and rocky steppes. Unlike leopards or tigers, it is closer in size to a domestic cat, but its thick fur, short legs, and flattened face make it instantly recognizable.
With a stocky build and a perpetually “grumpy” look, the Pallas’s cat has become something of an internet sensation in wildlife photography circles. Despite this popularity online, spotting one in the wild is extremely rare.
Why This Sighting in Arunachal Matters
The photographs were captured during a camera-trap survey conducted between July and September 2024 by WWF-India and the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department. The survey deployed 136 camera traps across 83 locations covering nearly 2,000 sq km in West Kameng and Tawang districts.
Images confirmed the presence of the Pallas’s cat at an altitude of nearly 5,000 metres — one of the highest elevations recorded in India for this species. Until now, confirmed records in the Eastern Himalayas included Sikkim, Bhutan, and eastern Nepal, but never Arunachal Pradesh.
This discovery expands the species’ known range and underscores the ecological importance of the Eastern Himalayas as a biodiversity hotspot.
The Cat’s Mysterious Lifestyle
One reason the Pallas’s cat is so rarely seen is its secretive nature. It is nocturnal, spends much of its time hiding among rocks, and survives in some of the most inhospitable terrains on Earth.
Unlike leopards or lions that rely on speed and strength, the Pallas’s cat uses stealth. It feeds on small prey like rodents and birds, blending into rocky landscapes with its dense, camouflaged fur. Its short legs and rounded body help it conserve heat in freezing climates — a perfect design for high-altitude living.
No wonder scientists call it one of the world’s most enigmatic cats.
Conservation Concerns
Globally, the Pallas’s cat is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, but it faces local threats such as:
- Habitat loss due to grazing and human expansion.
- Poaching for fur and mistaken belief that it threatens livestock.
- Climate change, which is altering fragile mountain ecosystems.
Its low population density and elusive behavior make it especially vulnerable to environmental disturbances. Conservationists hope this new sighting will highlight the need to protect high-altitude habitats in the region.
Quick Facts: The Pallas’s Cat
- Scientific name: Otocolobus manul
- Nickname: Manul or Pallas’s Cat
- Habitat: High-altitude grasslands, Central Asia, Eastern Himalayas
- Size: Similar to a domestic cat but stockier
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN), but locally threatened
FAQs About the Pallas’s Cat
Is the Pallas’s cat dangerous to humans?
No. Despite its fierce appearance, it is shy, elusive, and avoids human contact.
Where else can you find Pallas’s cats?
They are mainly found in Mongolia, Tibet, Central Asia, and the Eastern Himalayas (Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal, and now Arunachal Pradesh).
Why is it called the Pallas’s cat?
The cat was named after German naturalist Peter Simon Pallas, who first described the species in 1776.
Conclusion
The discovery of the Pallas’s cat in Arunachal Pradesh is more than just a wildlife record — it’s a reminder that even in 2025, our planet still holds secrets. As scientists continue to explore these hidden landscapes, one thing is clear: cats, whether domestic or wild, never stop surprising us.