Remarkable birth at a US zoo: rare and exceptional Pallas’s cat kitten born in South Dakota

On September 13, 2024, the Great Plains Zoo officially announced the birth of a Pallas's cat, also known as a Manul, a wild feline species native to the cold, arid regions of Central Asia. This birth represents not just a rare and exciting event for the zoo, but also an important step in international conservation efforts aimed at protecting this species, currently listed as "near threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The zoo’s breeding pair, Salkhi, a seven-year-old female, and Kaz, a six-year-old male, were specifically brought to the zoo under the Species Survival Plan (SSP). The SSP is a coordinated effort by zoos worldwide to ensure that the species bred in captivity maintain the genetic diversity necessary for their survival. This particular program is essential for species like the Pallas's cat, whose populations continue to decline in the wild due to habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and climate change.

The unique characteristics of Pallas's cats

Pallas's cats are unique among wildcats, easily recognizable by their thick, long fur, which provides them with essential insulation in cold environments, and their distinctive rounded ears. Unlike most domestic cats, Pallas's cats have round pupils instead of vertical slits, which gives them a more intense, wide-eyed appearance. Their fur features horizontal stripes and spots, which help them blend into the rocky, mountainous landscapes they call home.

These cats inhabit regions stretching from Afghanistan to Mongolia, often in remote and rugged areas. They are particularly adapted to cold, harsh climates, where their thick coats protect them from freezing temperatures. The species’ adaptation to their environment is also reflected in their behavior: Pallas's cats are solitary and elusive, spending most of their time hidden from predators and human disturbances. Their population in the wild is currently at risk due to several factors, including habitat loss caused by infrastructure development and agriculture, as well as illegal poaching for their fur.

The kitten's early life and behavior

At the Great Plains Zoo, the Pallas's cat kitten is still in the early stages of its development. According to zookeepers, the kitten remains mostly indoors, closely monitored by its mother, Salkhi. Zoo officials report that the kitten has been imitating its mother’s behaviors, a crucial part of its early learning process. This mimicry includes observing how she reacts to her environment, such as finding quiet spots or moving to a safer place when there is too much noise or activity.

Salkhi, who has previously raised one other kitten at the zoo, named Pazi, is described as an attentive and cautious mother. When the environment becomes too loud or disruptive, she quickly relocates her offspring to more secure areas of the enclosure. This protective instinct is typical of wild cats and helps the young kitten adjust to its surroundings at a safe pace.

The zoo expects that as the kitten grows, it will begin to explore its environment more actively. The zoo’s enclosure is designed to mimic the cat's natural habitat as closely as possible, complete with rocky outcrops and areas for the kitten to hide and play. However, for now, the staff are allowing the kitten to grow at its own pace, ensuring it has the necessary space to build confidence before it interacts more freely with its environment.

The role of species survival programs in protecting Pallas's cats

The birth of this kitten is not an isolated event; it is part of a broader effort within zoos worldwide to ensure the continued survival of the Pallas's cat species. The Species Survival Plan (SSP) plays a pivotal role in this, as it focuses on maintaining genetic diversity among captive populations. By managing breeding in zoos, the SSP helps prevent genetic bottlenecks that could lead to inbreeding and health problems, which are common in small populations of endangered animals.

The Great Plains Zoo has been a significant participant in this program. In 2020, Salkhi and Kaz successfully raised their first kitten, Pazi, who remains at the zoo as part of its ongoing conservation efforts. With the arrival of this second kitten, the zoo continues to contribute to the species' survival, not just through breeding but also through public education and research aimed at understanding these rare cats' needs.

Threats to Pallas's cats in the wild

In their natural habitats, Pallas's cats face numerous threats. Habitat destruction is one of the primary causes of their declining population, as human expansion for infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism encroaches on the areas they inhabit. Additionally, Pallas's cats are hunted illegally for their fur, which was once used to make coats and hats. Although the trade of their fur is now banned, illegal hunting still persists in some areas.

Climate change is another emerging threat to Pallas's cats, as it is causing shifts in their ecosystems. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are altering the availability of prey and suitable habitats, pushing the species further into the margins of their already limited range.

Hope for the future

The birth of this Pallas's cat kitten at the Great Plains Zoo offers a glimmer of hope for the future of the species. As human activities continue to threaten their natural habitats, programs like the Species Survival Plan will be essential in ensuring that these remarkable animals have a future. By providing safe environments for breeding and raising awareness about the species' plight, zoos play a critical role in conserving Pallas's cats and other endangered wildlife.