PALLAS'S CATS CONSERVATION IN MONGOLIA

CONSERVATION OF PALLAS CATS IN MONGOLIA

Pallas cat (Otocolobus manul), or manul, is a small wild cat distinguished by its long, dense light gray fur and low-set, rounded ears. It has a head-and-body length of 46 to 65 cm (18 to 26 in) and a bushy tail measuring 21 to 31 cm (8.3 to 12.2 in). Well adapted to its harsh native habitat, the manul thrives in cold, arid environments with minimal rainfall and extreme temperature fluctuations.

The manul inhabits high-altitude montane grasslands and steppe across Eurasia, spanning from western Iran to eastern Mongolia. While its range is extensive, it is fragmented, with the largest populations found in Mongolia, southern Siberia, and China. Further west, the species’ distribution becomes increasingly discontinuous.

Despite being classified as “Least Concern” globally by the IUCN Red List, manuls receive far less conservation funding than their larger relatives—such as lions, tigers, and snow leopards—due to their small size. However, this global status overlooks serious regional threats. Manuls are listed as endangered in China and Turkmenistan and “Near Threatened” in Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan. This is why early conservation efforts are crucial—addressing threats before a species becomes endangered is often the most effective and cost-efficient way to ensure its survival.

Manul Working Group brings together specialists involved in the study and conservation of manul in the wild and in captivity, and other interested people to exchange information and experience, provide advice, and organize joint projects to save pallas cats.

Global Heritage Society (GHS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in New Jersey, USA, is committed to safeguarding endangered wildlife.

Global Heritage Society is collaborating with Manul Working Group to execute this research project.

The project aims to identify key areas for manuls in Khentii province of Mongolia and create there a basis for long-term monitoring and conservation of the species with the involvement and support of local communities and conservation organizations (protected areas, NGOs).

“We will install camera traps at key sites to obtain data on the status of manul, which will inform further enlargement of network for long-term monitoring in the area. We will aware local people of the manul conservation issues and monitoring network through in-person storytelling, distributing booklets and author’s brochures “Ghost in the Steppe”, posting stories on social media using obtained pictures and videos.”

We need funding to carry out the monitoring project, including the purchase of camera traps and field trip expenses to Mongolia.

To ensure transparency, we will provide you with the year-end financial report by the close of the fiscal year, as well as the quarterly progress reports.

Global Heritage Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States, making donations tax-deductible. Upon receiving your donation, you will receive an acknowledgment that includes all necessary details regarding the tax-deductible portion of your contribution.

If you have questions, please contact us at: globalheritagesociety (AT) gmail (DOT) com