22/10/2025
Edinburgh Zoo , operated by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) , plays a pivotal role in global efforts to conserve Pallas’s cats:
The Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul), often nicknamed the “world’s grumpiest cat” due to its expressive face and round pupils, is a small wild feline native to the montane grasslands and steppes of Central Asia. Despite its domestic-cat size, its dense fur gives it a larger appearance, helping it survive harsh climates".
Species overview: -
Habitat: Rocky grasslands and shrublands across 16 countries, including Mongolia, Iran, and parts of the Himalayas.
Adaptations: Short legs and dense fur for insulation Flat-set ears and mottled coat for camouflage
Diet: Primarily small rodents and lagomorphs like pikas.
Threats: Habitat loss due to agriculture and infrastructure
Decline in prey populations
Predation by domestic dogs
Difficulty in study due to their elusive nature.
Edinburgh Zoo’s Role in Conservation:-
Breeding Programme:
- Recently welcomed a male Pallas’s cat named Akiko, with plans to introduce a female for breeding.
- RZSS manages the European breeding programme and studbook for the species.
Global Conservation Leadership:
- Co-founder of the Pallas’s Cat International Conservation Alliance (PICA) alongside Nordens Ark and Snow Leopard Trust.
- Supports field research and local capacity building in range countries like Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and India.
- Advocated for the species’ inclusion under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), enhancing international protection. .
Funding and Awareness:
- Through the PICA Small Grant Programme, RZSS has funded over 18 conservation projects in 9 countries.
- Uses zoo-based education and outreach to raise awareness about this elusive species.
