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 The
Pallas' Cat Conservation Project aims to determine the status
and natural history of the wild Pallas' cat. Learning from disease
problems evident in the captive population, the extreme susceptibility
of Pallas' cats to fatal toxoplasmosis and FIV-related disease
is being examined. We have collected biological samples and photographs
from 15 wild Pallas' cats, two wildcats, 15 domestic cats, and
60 prey species for complete health assessment, and disease screening.
We have also VHF-radio collared eight wild Pallas' cats and two
wildcats and are supporting a team of Mongolian herdsmen and
field biology students to describe homeranges and behavior patterns.
Preliminary telemetry and behavior research of our Mongolian
wild Pallas' cats includes determining the general homeranges
of our eight collared cats and observing mating, inter and intraspecies
relations, and hunting/ feeding behaviors. Approximate homeranges
of 2000 sq km have been determined, with males traveling large
distances (up to 20 km) in one day. Females spend up to three
months in the spring/summer in one location in underground holes
raising their kittens.
Three study sites have been established in the central, southern,
and western regions of Mongolia. We are now in the process of
developing our study sites, field teams, and telemetry methodology.
GPS collars, light enough for our small Pallas' cats, are being
developed. We hope to put GPS collars on one male and one female
Pallas' cat very soon.
This project is providing vital information on the status of
this species in the wild which will help to determine its current
threat status as well as determining ways to protect the existing
wild population from further threat. This species has had difficulty
thriving in captivity due to its extreme disease susceptibility
and therefore it is imperative that strategies be developed to
protect what is left of the wild population.
The Ulysses S. Seal Conservation Grant Program of the Minnesota Zoo awarded “The
Pallas' Cat Conservation Project” $2500 in 2004 for the
purchase of a GPS radio collar to be used to increase the number
of collared cats in the field which will continue to expand the
knowledge base of the wild Pallas cat population in Mongolia
so that conservation measures can be better implemented. Staff
champion for this project is Dr. Martha Caron, conservation biologist.
She is currently serving as the International studbook keeper
and the AZA Species Survival Plan Coordinator for the Pallas
cat.
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