A field team of scientists recently uncovered something both incredible and downright adorable — rare cats residing on Mount Everest.
The Pallas’s cats, also known as manuls, have somehow managed to remain undetected until 2019. There are at least two of these remarkable felines living somewhere along Mount Everest’s Southern Flank. This discovery is of immense value to researchers and conservationists worldwide — and incredibly cute for everyone else.
Pallas’s cats are roughly the size of regular house cats but with some charming differences. Their legs are very short, and their fur is thick and fluffy, making them resemble chubby little stuffed animals. They are actually smaller and lighter than they appear, as they are mostly all fur, which insulates them from the cold. Their ability to climb rocky crevices and cliff faces with ease suggests that Mount Everest is an ideal habitat for them. While these wild animals are aggressive and definitely not suited as pets, their photos alone bring immense joy.
Their broad faces and large ears make them look like cartoon characters, seemingly hopping around Mount Everest and minding their own business.
“It is phenomenal to discover proof of this rare and remarkable species at the top of the world,” said Dr. Tracie Seimon of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Zoological Health Program in an article for the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Future research will aim to determine the exact number of Pallas’s cats living on Mount Everest and will help in efforts to protect them so they can continue to thrive in their unique high-altitude home.
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