A recent report by our India team, based at the Nature Conservation Foundation, presents the first photographic evidence of the elusive Pallas’s cat (also known as manul) in Himachal Pradesh, India, recorded during a snow leopard population survey in the Kinnaur region. Images of the species were captured at three camera trap sites at elevations of 3900–4100 meters in rocky habitats. Other species recorded during the survey include the snow leopard, red fox, stone marten, pika, chukar and snowcock. Manul are known to feed on small animals like pikas, voles and bird species. Despite their smaller stature, manul face many of the same threats as snow leopards and a declining population due to habitat fragmentation, illegal wildlife trade, climate change and growing numbers of feral dogs. These dogs are attracted by poor waste management and pose significant risks to wildlife through predation, disease and fear-induced behavioral disruptions. The cat’s habitat in this trans-Himalayan region also faces pressures from military activities, unregulated tourism and infrastructure development. Click to view slideshow. While conservation efforts related to snow leopards address many of these threats, a recurring issue for manul conservation is the need for more information. The species occupies a large area across Eurasia, yet no robust population estimates are available. Because manuls are so rare, raising awareness and mobilizing local stewardship is harder than for more iconic species like snow leopards or tigers. Click to view slideshow. Conservation of the manul requires holistic, landscape-level approaches. Recommended measures include better waste management and control of dog populations, robust population monitoring, habitat protection, and transboundary conservation initiatives with neighboring regions. Raising awareness and involving local communities and stakeholders is crucial for the species’ long-term survival and ecosystem health. Read the full paper here. Get all the latest updates when you sign up for our monthly E-News. Photos: NCF-India Acknowledgments: We are grateful to the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department and the Kinnaur Forest Division for the research permits, assistance and support. We would like to thank Takpa Tanzin, Tanba Chhering and Prabhu Dhaya for their help during fieldwork. We’re also thankful to the people of Kinnaur for their cooperation.  The post First Photographic Evidence of Pallas’s Cat in Himachal Pradesh, India appeared first on Snow Leopard Trust.