A preliminary approximation to determine the distribution of Pallas’s cats in Hustai National Park, Mongolia

Abstract Information about distribution is essential for the conservation and management of rare and threatened species, or those that have experienced significant declines in their ranges. For rare and declining species, such as the Pallas's cat (Otocolobus manul Pallas, 1776), mapping their distribution is therefore crucial. The Pallas’s cat is a rare and elusive species native to the steppes of central and western Asia, with Mongolia harboring the largest population. However, much of the biology of the Pallas’s cat remains poorly understood, creating a significant need for fundamental information, such as its distribution and conservation needs. Between June and July 2023, we conducted an interview-based survey to assess the distribution of Pallas’s cats in Hustai National Park, in Central Mongolia. We divided the study area into 67 sampling units, each measuring 8 × 8 km square, and conducted 107 independent interviews with local people. The data were analyzed using a mixed-effects logistic regression model to evaluate the environmental and topographic factors influencing the occurrence of Pallas’s cats. Our results showed that the distribution of the Pallas’s cat was significantly and positively associated with steppe habitat and the positive effects of terrain ruggedness may also be suggested. These findings underscore the need for monitoring and gathering information on the ecology of this rare species to inform conservation and management strategies in the region.