A team of scientists recently discovered something amazing and downright adorable: on Everest live two rare cats!
It would be the highest part of the Himalayan slope, precisely along the southern flank of Mount Everest, that the two felines would have chosen as their natural habitat.
Two cats live on Everest: discovery
These are Pallas’ cats, wild felines like the Serval and the Caracal, to have been identified by a group of scientists on Everest.
Also known as Manul or Steppe Cats, Pallas’ cats had managed to remain unseen until 2019.
This discovery, very valuable to researchers and environmentalists from all over the world, will open up a new line of study and research.
Future research will help determine exactly how many Pallas’ cats live on the roof of the world and help protect them so they can continue to live their best lives.
“It’s phenomenal to discover evidence of this rare and extraordinary species on top of the world,” she said Dr. Tracie Seimon of the Zoological Health Program of the Wildlife Conservation Society in a article for the WCS.
BREAKING: world’s greatest animal found on world’s highest mountain via non-invasive genetics! The idea of a Pallas’s cat sneering at elite climbers from behind a rock is truly warming my heart 🥰https://t.co/nv0SyBr9hD
— Paige Byerly, PhD (@paigebyerly) January 26, 2023
Who are Pallas’ cats?
Pallas’ cats are markedly different in appearance from house cats, even though they are roughly the same size as them.
They have very short legs and their fur is extremely thick and fluffywhich gives them the look of adorable chubby stuffed animals.
These physical characteristics make them suited to very harsh climates and agile at climbing rock faces, so it makes sense that these animals would choose an extreme place like Everest to live.
Also, their wide faces and theirs big ears they make them look like cartoon characters!
Despite their adorable appearance, Pallas’ cats are wild animals and therefore quite aggressive, not suitable to be kept as pets.
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