Otocolobus manul ferrugineous has long been hunted for its fur in relatively large numbers. However there has been little recent international trade.
The Manul is adapted to cold arid environments and has a wide distribution throughout central Asia. Otocolobus manul ferrugineous is found from the Caspian to Pakistan. Relatively specialized in its habitat requirements. It is found in stony alpine desert and grassland habitats, but is generally absent from lowland sandy desert basins.
The Palla's cat is considered as a "Lower Risk" sub-category "near threatened" species by the IUCN. CITES lists the species as "Appendix 2".