For many people it is a dream climbing one of the fourteen 8,000m peaks once in a lifetimei.e. to climb Mount Everest, K2, Annapurna and Co.
For many, however, this dream ends at dizzying heights without a “return ticket”. Because the conditions up there are simply too extreme for us.
This one very rare cat seems to see things a little differentlythe Pallas catalso manual called. This seems to be indeed very much at home on the highest peaks in the world to feel.
Undiscovered between snow and ice
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The manul was only discovered a few years ago, namely in 2019. Not unusual considering it’s been around quite a bit strength and endurance it takes to get to Everest Base Camp at all. Let alone up to the summit.
Nobody knows exactly how many of these cats now live on Mount Everest. Apparently there are at least two who made themselves «cozy» on the south side of the mountain giant have.
For scientist is that natural a huge discovery – and for all non-scientists just terribly cute.
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Why cute? Manuls are about the same size as our beloved house cats – with some cuddly differences. They have very short legs, their fur is dense and fluffy. And this is what they look like chubby little stuffed animals.
Indeed they are much lighter than they look. Because the thick fur hides a relatively slim body and is primarily used to defy all weather conditions in the Himalayas.
Feline mountain goats with a bite
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Nothing is easier for the Pallas cat than climbing along rocky crevices. So it almost makes sense that Mount Everest is the perfect home, right?
should you consider living with a Pallas cat – because who can resist this slightly annoyed look from the broad face with the huge ears? – please don’t do it. Because the manul is considered very aggressive.
Those who have met him and made it from Everest can tell you a thing or two about that.
The Manul should continue to feel at home
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For science it is natural one of the greatest discoveries of recent years. How does a cat manage to live at high altitudes where there is almost no oxygen more?
How does she eat? And why did she of all things, the roof of the world as a living room select?
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Together with her team, Dr. Tracie Seimon from Wildlife Conservation Society’s Zoological Health Program try to answer these questions in the years to come.
Until then, the Pallas cat will continue to be with us her grumpy face and remarkable adaptability inspire.