Seven manul kittens filmed in rare wild litter
A camera trap in the Ubsunur Depression Nature Reserve in Tuva captured a record litter of wild kittens — a female marmot was seen with seven cubs.
Consensus
- A camera trap in Ubsunur Hollow Nature Reserve in Tuva captured footage of seven manul kittens.
- The kittens are approximately three months old.
- The kittens were seen near a rock crevice, which is believed to be their den.
- The mother is raising the kittens alone.
- This is the first recorded instance of seven manul kittens in a single litter in the wild in Russia.
- The number of kittens is considered exceptionally rare, as typical litters are 3–4, with 5–6 being uncommon.
- The reserve's director, Diinmey Balban-oool, pledged to monitor the family closely.
- The footage was captured as part of a conservation project for the manul.
- Experts believe the large litter indicates sufficient prey availability in the area.
Points of divergence
- The mother is described as a 'heroine' and a single mother based on observations. — tg_govorit_nemoskva
- One kitten was seen with prey in its mouth, and the senior researcher from IPEE RAS emphasized that such a large litter is nearly unprecedented in the wild. — fontanka
- The Center for Snow Leopard Study 'Irbis' stated this is the first time such a number has been recorded in the wild in Russia. — tg_rian_ru
Coverage (3 sources)
- Wonderful Seven — Говорит НеМосква
- Record-sized brood of manul bears caught on video in Tuva nature reserve — Фонтанка
- Immediately seven snow leopards in one litter were captured by a camera trap in the 'Ubsunur Depression' nature reserve in Tuva. — РИА Новости (Telegram)