A rare photograph of the Mongolian cat in the mountains of northern Iran
Quick Look
The Mongolian cat, a rare wild cat species, was photographed in the mountains of northern Iran, where such sightings are considered very rare due to its stealth behaviour.
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Why It Matters
The Mongolian cat is a rare species of wild cat that is considered an elusive species in Central Asia.
A nature lover was able to film the Mongolian cat, which is known for being difficult to spot, in rare videos of it in the mountains of northern Iran. It may look like a scowling domestic cat, but it is actually one of the least studied wild cat species in Iran. It is known as the "Mongol cat", or "Palas' cat", and is famous for its extremely stealthy behavior. These elusive cats are mostly found in Central Asia, so the appearance of one in northern Iran is very rare, according to nature lover Majid Batebi. Sightings of these cats are so rare that scientists still do not know their numbers in Iran. Her favorite food is the pika, a small creature resembling a wild rabbit, which plays an important role in the survival of the Mongolian cat. Researchers say that the habitat of the mountain cat is deteriorating as a result of overgrazing, mining activities, and herding dogs extending to higher areas of the slopes.
Open Questions
- How many Mongolian cats are there in Iran?
