What is a "pallas's cat"?

Pallas's cat, also known as the manul, is a unique and elusive wild cat species that inhabits the grasslands and montane steppes of Central Asia. It has a stocky build with short legs and a thick, dense coat of fur that provides excellent insulation in its cold, harsh environment. Pallas's cat is known for its distinctive appearance, with a flattened face, large expressive eyes, and low-set ears with tufts of fur on the tips. Its fur is usually gray or pale brown, adorned with dark markings and a pattern of vertical bars on its forelegs. Despite its small size, Pallas's cat has a fierce and independent nature, adapted to the extreme conditions of its habitat. It is a solitary and elusive species, well adapted to hunting in rocky terrains and preying on small mammals such as pikas and rodents. Pallas's cat is considered a near-threatened species, facing threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and climate change, making conservation efforts crucial for its survival in the wild.