[3] Markings vary between individuals: some have neither spots nor stripes, some are faintly spotted, some have both spots and stripes. It has a dense soft fur that is a pale sand or gray color above and paler underneath. Its ecological requirements are still poorly understood, as only few in-depth studies targeting wild sand cat populations were conducted. Common Name: Sand Cat The most common disease is infectious rhinotracheitis. The sand cat usually rests in underground dens during the day and hunts at night. These small cats are primarily nocturnal and solitary. [24] They are also known for being snake hunters, which they kill with a rapid blow to the head that stuns, and then administer the death bite to the neck. [50], In Pakistan, the first sand cat was detected in 1966 near the Lora River in Balochistan. Their ears are quite large, which helps heat escape in the hot desert temperatures. Sand cats prefer a very dry, arid habitat with little vegetation, for which they are well adapted. F.m. harrisoni – Arabia, Jordan (Pictured on both pages). [24] Size and Appearance: Sand Cats weigh in at 4-8 pounds and reach lengths of 29-36 inches, and heights of 10-12 inches. © Copyright 2021 BigCatRescue.Org. In the late 1960s, sand cats were encountered in the Chagai Hills, an extremely arid area comprising rolling sand dunes and stony plains at an elevation of about 1,200 m (3,900 ft). The head-and-body length ranges from 39–52 cm (15–20 in). In Uzbekistan, desert habitat is being degraded through the uprooting of shrubs for use as a substrate for silk worm cocoons and for firewood, which lead to an increase of drifting sand. [42][62][46][47] In Baghdad, two sand cats were presented to a local nursery in 2012 that had been sold as pets; they died a week later. Due to its wide distribution, it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. 2003). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In Saudi Arabia's Mahazat as-Sayd Protected Area, sand cats were captured and encountered trapped in wire mesh fence surrounding the adjacent Saja/Umm Ar-Rimth Protected Area in the country's Najd region. Sand cats occur across the Sahara Desert, from Morocco in the west to as far as Egypt and the Sudan in the east. [22] The cat's whiskers are white and up to 8 cm (3.1 in) long. It moves 5.4 km (3.4 mi) on average at night in search of small rodents and birds. It makes loud, high-pitched and short rasping sounds, especially when seeking a mate. Fencing of protected areas threatens the sand cat in Saudi Arabia, where several individuals were found stuck in fences. Sand Cats often live in burrows abandoned by other animals like foxes or porcupines. [2] … Hunting and Diet: Primarily nocturnal, they hunt by digging. I met my husband after he signed me up for Cat Facts. [27] [59] The life expectancy of wild sand cats has not been documented. In 2005, F. m. margarita, F. m. thinobia, F. m. scheffeli and F. m. harrisoni were recognised as valid taxa by W. Chris Wozencraft, who considered F. m. meinertzhageni and F. m. aïrensis synonyms of the nominate subspecies F. m. Your email address will not be published. The auditory bullae and the passages from the external ears to the ear drums are greatly enlarged compared to other small wild cats; the inner parts of the ears are protected from foreign objects by long, closely spaced white hairs. This low degree of genetic differentiation between African and Asian sand cat populations indicates that the Sinai peninsula may have been a barrier to gene flow. They are also referred to as Sand Dune Cats and are found in various regions of Africa and Asia. Here you can find fun facts, videos, and much much more! It is one of few wild cat species that occupies true desert habitat. [2], The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo started a sand cat reintroduction project in Israel's Arabah Desert. Sand Cat Distribution in Africa This actually occurred as a result of one being seen in the Sahara, quite by accident. They Are Impossible to Track. Burrows are about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) deep and dug in slightly slanting ground with usually only a single entrance. It is widely but not contiguously distributed in the deserts of North Africa, Southwest and Central Asia. All Rights Reserved. IUCN: Insufficiently known (F.m. The large gap between these two regions of its global range was partially closed in 1948, when a sand cat skin was found in an oasis of the Rub' al Khali in Oman. They are sand-dwelling creatures, inhabiting dry plains and rocky valleys where conditions are extreme. Social System and Communication: Solitary. The sand cat is a small cat, characterized by a flat, wide head, short legs, and a relatively long tail of 23–31 cm (9.1–12.2 in). Sand Cat The Sand Cat is the only feline species found primarily in deserts. File this one under practical cat facts! In 2018, several sand cats were observed resting in brown-necked raven nests built in umbrella thorn acacia trees in the Moroccan Sahara. Their primary diet consists of 3 species of gerbils. Their tails are tipped with black, with a few black bands around them. ", "How Prey Density and Distribution Can Affect Predator Habitat Usage Pattern: a Case Study on Sand Cat (Felis margarita, Locke 1858) from Iran", "Insights into the feeding ecology of and threats to Sand Cat, "Evaluating ex situ conservation projects: Genetic structure of the captive population of the Arabian sand cat", "Application of assisted reproduction for population management in felids: The potential and reality for conservation of small cats", "Rare Sand Kittens Born in Israel After Years of Rumored Extinction", "Sand cats photographed in the Moroccan Sahara", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sand_cat&oldid=1008426524, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 23 February 2021, at 07:14. [41] The Pakistan sand cat is a subspecies of the sand cat found in the deserts of Pakistan. The sand cat (Felis margarita), also known as the sand dune cat, is a small wild cat that inhabits sandy and stony desertsfar from water sources. The Sand cat has a low-set body, with a broad head and a large nose. Various species prey on sand cats, including venomous snakes as well as birds of … [37], Felis margarita is listed on CITES Appendix II. [23] Order: Carnivora Sand cats were also observed in 2014–2015 in three localities in the Turaif area in northern Saudi Arabia. There are occasional reports of animals shot in south-east Arabia (M. Strauss pers. The Sand Cat (Felis margarita) is a small wild cat that is uniquely adapted to its desert habitat. Because their populations are so few, they have a loud mating call, which resembles the barking of a small dog. Hear our purrs, hisses, snarls, calls, and growl sounds HERE. Cat Facts changed my life- I quit my job and started learning to speak cat. It has a bite force quotient at the canine tip of 136.7. [18] [49] In central Iran, sand cats were observed foremost in sand dunes and sabulous areas during surveys in 2014–2016. It is the size of a domestic cat and the smallest of wild cats. [31] In spring, the female gives birth to two to three kittens, which become sexually mature around the age of one year. Sand cats are difficult to find for predators and researchers … The feet are covered with a thick layer of wiry black hair, which insulates the footpads against extremes of heat and cold, and allows for easier movement through the sand. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6aaf83a8edee2e4c86326081be4c08d" );document.getElementById("h3b97b2537").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. F.m. The large, greenish-yellow eyes are ringed with white, and the nose is blackish. [44] In Syria, sand cats were sighted and photographed by a camera-trap in a protected area near Palmyra in 2000 and 2001. In some areas, sand cats give birth to two litters per year. [61], Habitat degradation and loss of sand dunes due to human activities are considered major threats to sand cat populations in the Western Asia, where uncontrolled hunting and persecution of predators using poisoned baits are common practices. In Mali's Lake Faguibine area, one individual was shortly sighted by night in 2011. Stripes extend back from the eyes, and there is a darker area over the back. Felis margarita was the scientific name proposed by Victor Loche in 1858 who first described a sand cat specimen found in the area of "Négonça" in the northern Algerian Sahara. [18], A fossil jaw and skeletal remains of a sand cat were excavated in an Upper Pleistocene cave in El Harhoura located near Temara in Morocco. Diet: Carnivore. [53] They have learned to crouch down and shut their eyes when a light is shone on them, which prevents the light from reflecting their eyes for tracking. To date, it has been recorded in several disjunct locations in Morocco, Algeria, Niger, Chad and Egypt. The length of this cat from head to tail is usually between 15 and 20 inches. The ears are reddish-brown and black-tipped. Cats that are lactose intolerant will get awful diarrhea … Sand cats are a pale tan or sandy color (to match all the sand of course), with some dark spots or stripes on their fur. Random Sand Cat Facts generator. The International Species Information Service lists 116 worldwide, with 36 being in the U.S. Information reprinted With Permission from the IUCN Wild Cats Book. [37][38][39] In the Tabuk Region, two sand cats were killed by hunters in 2013 and 2016; and one individual was captured by a local farmer in 2014 and kept in a cage. It is discontinuously distributed in the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East. With its sandy to light grey fur, it is well camouflaged in a desert environment. Captive sand cats are highly sensitive to respiratory diseases and infection of the upper respiratory tract. 3. Markings. Sand cats have a long history of living in North American zoos, but have been poorly managed. The sand cat is the only wild cat that is not threatened with loss of habitat since it is found in the desert. These cookies do not store any personal information. [64], Sand cats have also been caught for the pet trade in the United Arab Emirates and in Iraq. [35], On the Arabian Peninsula, a sand cat skin was discovered by Wilfred Thesiger in 1948 in an oasis of the Rub' al Khali desert. It communicates using scent and scratch marks on objects in its range and by urine spraying. It has large ears and a broad head, and a reddish streak that runs from its eyes across its cheeks. Adults reach up to 22.4 inches in length and weigh up to 7.5 lbs. [3] This holotype specimen appears to have been lost. thanks! The 5–7 cm (2.0–2.8 in) long ears are set low, giving a broad, flat appearance to the head. [5] The magnitude of acoustic input-admittance is about five times higher than of a domestic cat. That combined with their protective coat color makes them blend right into their habitat. [23] [13], Its way of moving is distinct: with its belly close to the ground, it moves at a fast run punctuated with occasional leaps. She don't weigh much. They died primarily due to maternal neglect by first-time mothers. Sand cat kittens that had been hiding beneath a tuft of Panicum turgidum grass were sighted and photographed in the area in April 2017. [42] The sand cat is the only cat you can find in true deserts which makes it really stronger than other cats which cannot bear such conditions in dry deserts. It is capable of sudden bursts of speed and can sprint at speeds of 30–40 km (19–25 mi) per hour. Today we decided to share with you the 10 most interesting facts about sand cats. The sand cat is part of an evolutionary lineage that is estimated to have genetically diverged from the common ancestor of the Felis species around 4.44 to 2.16 million years ago, based on analysis of their nuclear DNA. Unlike dogs, cats do not have a sweet tooth. [23] The undersides of its paws are protected from extreme temperatures by a thick covering of fur. Sand cats can survive −5 °C (23 °F) to 52 °C (126 °F) temperature. Check out these fun cat facts for kids. DANGEROUS LIVING. Required fields are marked *. The subspecies in Africa is generally smaller than its Asian counterpart. Tail is usually 9 to 12 inches long. [26], The sand cat inhabits both sandy and stony deserts. It also includes birds, reptiles and arthropods. It has a stocky build with short legs. Sand-cats have many kittens in their life. Sand cats have an acute sense of hearing and patiently wait to hear prey moving under the sand. [28][29][30] Several captive-born individuals from the zoo's population were kept in an acclimatization enclosure, but did not survive subsequent release into the wild. [36] Vulnerable arid ecosystems are being rapidly degraded by human settlement and activity, especially livestock grazing (Allan and Warren 1993, Al-Sharhan et al. The long hair covering the soles of its feet insulates its foot pads against the extremely hot and cold temperatures in deserts. comm.). [65], Since the mid 1960s, sand cats were captured in Pakistan for trade and export to Europe, until the Pakistani government rejected issuing permits in 1974. Sand Cats will also cover large kills with sand and return later to feed. Principal Threats: Habitat degradation is the major threat to the sand cat. Can you fix it please? Its head-and-body length ranges from 39–52 cm (15–20 in) with a 23–31 cm (9.1–12.2 in) long tail. The sand cat (Felis margarita), also known as the sand dune cat, is a small wild cat that inhabits sandy and stony deserts far from water sources. [6] [48] Between March 2014 and July 2016, sand cats were also observed at elevations of 900–1,100 m (3,000–3,600 ft) in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, foremost in black saxaul dominated habitat. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. They may share burrows but never occupy the same burrow at the same time. [57], Sand cats were collected in eastern Karakum Desert in the late 1950s. Its 5–7 cm (2.0–2.8 in) long ears are set low on the sides of the head, aiding detection of prey moving underground. Sightings in Egypt's rocky Western and Eastern Deserts date to the mid 1980s. 1. Burrows with two or three entrances have also been observed. [40] [69] In July 2012, four sand cat kittens were born at the Ramat Gan Zoo as part of the European Endangered Species Programme. After a gestation of 59 to 66 days, they give birth to a litter of two to three kittens. [66] We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. In winter, sand cats stay in the sun during the day, but during the hot season, they are crepuscular and nocturnal. [46][47] In Saudi Arabia, one of 17 wild-caught sand cats was tested positive for feline leukaemia virus. [16][18] They easily adapt to the cold and hot desert environment because of the thick fur on their feet. Distribution: From the Sahara through the Middle East to Turkestan. The tail has 2-3 black rings towards its black tip. Several cases of sand cats having been killed by domestic dogs (C. familiaris) were reported in Israel and Iran. I am so pleased to have been introduced to these little beauties,just goes to show ,you can learn something new everyday. Class: Mammalia Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. There are two dark stripes on their upper forelegs. Hey i loved your report about sand cats. Species: margarita In Jordan, a sand cat was recorded for the first time in 1997. The pinnae of the ears are triangular, and the ear canal is very wide, giving the cat an enhanced sense of hearing. [56][48] They were generally active throughout the night, hunting and travelling an average distance of 5.4 km (3.4 mi). [52], The sand cat is a solitary cat except during the mating season and when a female has kittens. thinobia – Turkestan [25] [27], Of 228 sand cats born in zoos globally by 2007, only 61% of the kittens lived to day 30. They grow relatively rapidly, reaching three quarters of the adult size within five months, are fully independent by the end of their first year and reach sexual maturity soon after the first year. Welcome to Sand Cat Facts. [24] [46] In 2014 and 2015, four sand cats were trapped alive by local truffle collectors and offered for sale in a wildlife market in Bagdad; their fate is unknown. No confirmed records are known in Mauritania, Tunisia and Libya. It is believed that their hearing plays an important part in communication during the mating season. They also may be killed in traps laid out by inhabitants of oases targeting foxes and jackals or in retaliation for killing their chickens (De Smet 1989; Dragesco-Joffé 1993). F. m. margarita Loche, 1858 F. m. thinobia (Ognev, 1927). They are excellent diggers and will dig up rodents out of their burrows. [67] They retired below ground at dawn and stayed in the burrow during the day. Subspecies: F.m margarita – The Sahara In March 2018, a sand cat was recorded feeding on an Asian Houbara (Chlamydotis macqueenii) in the Kyzylkum Desert. They also bury all of their excrement making it impossible to find and analyze so their diet can be studied. The ears are tawny at the base and tipped with black, and more pointed than those of the Pallas's cat (Otocolobus manul). Interesting Sand Cat Facts: Sand cat is small animal that can reach 16 to 18 inches in length and 4 to 8 pounds in weight. The American SSP and European EEP have joined forces in their breeding plans as neither continent has enough diversity to sustain their populations. At the time, it was considered possible that sand cats eventually recorded in Afghanistan and Iran might constitute distinct subspecies. The Cat Classification Task Force of the Cat Specialist Group reviewed the existing information and in 2017 recognized only two subspecies, namely:[15], Phylogenetic analysis of the nuclear DNA in tissue samples from all Felidae species revealed that the evolutionary radiation of the Felidae began in Asia in the Miocene around 14.45 to 8.38 million years ago. [22] It communicates using scent and scratch marks on objects in its range and by urine spraying. Sand cats are a solitary species and not much is known of their mating systems. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. This is a page on sand cat facts written for children. It has large ears and a broad head, and a reddish streak that runs from its eyes across its cheeks. It makes loud, high-pitched and short rasping sounds, especially when seeking a mate. This is the main cause of death in adults. Arabian Sand Cat Facts Most notably, the fabulous Arabian Sand Cat also remains quite popular as the sand dune cat. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. They satisfied their moisture requirements from their prey but drank water if it was available. In addition, this rather fascinating small feline species was first identified in 1858. Height: 11 in. [11], In Central Asia, the sand cat's winter coat is very long and thick, with hairs reaching up to 2 in (5.1 cm) in length. They begin to take solid food at 5 weeks and become independent by 3-4 months. It stands 24–36 cm (9.4–14.2 in) at the shoulder and weighs 1.5–3.4 kg (3.3–7.5 lb). It is the size of a domestic cat and the smallest of wild cats. The TAG recommends an SSP with a target population of 80 individuals, all to consist of F. m. harrisoni, the race from the Arabian peninsula. In Iran, it occurs in arid flat plains and sandy desert of Abbas'abad Wildlife Reserve, Kavir National Park and Petergan Rural District. Their long tail is tipped with black and has two to three dark rings that alternate with a buff coat. I have a sand cat named seia sand. It buries its feces and covers it with sand. If you prefer to donate via Pay Pal, please use this link: Pay Pal. They usually live far from water. Males are larger than females. Its 5–7 cm (2.0–2.8 in) long ears are set low on the sides of the head, aiding detection of prey moving underground. [56] Since 2002, it is considered locally extinct in the country, as it has not been recorded since the turn of the century. Family: Felidae The sand cat is a cute looking wild cat that is about the same size as a domestic cat. Their other vocalizations include meowing, growling, hissing, spitting, screaming and purring. If they caught more than they could eat, they buried the remains for later consumption. Your email address will not be published. [19], Analysis of mitochondrial DNA of 47 sand cats from across its range showed that their haplotypes differed only by 1–3 base pair mutations. [2] [1] Reproduction and Offspring: These cats have been reported to have 2 litters per year in parts of their territory in both March-April, and again in October. Scientists believe this is due to a mutation in a … I love this animal ther are so cute and fun to learn about. good sand cat information I'm doing a project on the sand cat I scince. This feature makes the cat's tracks obscure and difficult to identify and follow. Their presence in Pakistan is unknown. margarita. Visitors are free to use the material on this page if they wish. [56] They were observed preying on jirds (Meriones), Cairo spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus), desert lark (Ammomanes deserti), and small reptiles. In central Iran, remains of Blanford's jerboa (Jaculus blanfordi) and Balochistan gerbil (Gerbillus nanus) were the most frequent prey species found around dens of sand cats. Adults reach up to 22.4 inches in length and weigh up to 7.5 lbs. Sand Cat Facts & Trivia for kids Sand Cats can make short sprints where there reach speeds up to 25mph. Sand Cats live mostly solitary lives. Other localized threats include the introduction of feral and domestic dogs and cats, creating direct competition and through predation and disease transmission (Nowell and Jackson 1996). [51], In Central Asia, the sand cat was known to occur up to the late 1960s in the Karakum Desert from the Ustyurt Plateau in the northwest to the Kopet Dag Mountains in the south, and from the Kyzylkum Desert to the Syr Darya River and the northern border to Afghanistan. In the early 1970s, sand cats were caught in southwestern Pakistan and exported to zoos worldwide. In Iran, vulnerable arid ecosystems are being rapidly degraded by human settlement and activity, especially livestock grazing. [55], In the Ténéré Desert, sand cats were observed preying foremost on small rodents, and the young of cape hare (Lepus capensis), but also hunting greater hoopoe lark (Alaemon alaudipes), desert monitor (Varanus griseus), sandfish (Scincus scincus) and venomous vipers. [27][33] Tail is usually 9 to 12 inches long. They are mainly small cats with short legs, broad head, large eyes, and short ears. With sand cats being very susceptible to respiratory infections, they have to be kept in very arid enclosures, where humidity and temperature do not fluctuate. [5], A male sand cat in Israel had a home range of 16 km2 (6.2 sq mi). This is the best way to give as it has the lowest credit card processing fees and is immediate help for the cats. Phylum: Chordata (Vertebrata) The kittens weigh 39 to 80 g (1.4 to 2.8 oz) at birth, and have spotted pale yellow or reddish fur. In Israel, the sand cat was thought to be endangered by predation of larger carnivores such as caracal (Caracal caracal) and wolf (Canis lupus). The ears are reddish-brown and black-tipped. Home Random Generator. Sand cats (Felis margarita) kind of look like orange tabbies, but their head also has an unusually wide oval shape. How rare is this cat? In western Iraq, sand cats inhabit desert areas in the Najaf, Muthanna and Al Anbar Governorates. In the Al-Ain Region, Abu Dhabi, a sand cat was sighted in a gravel plain between dunes in 2003. [39] [53] [43], In southern Israel's Arabah Valley, four sand cats were radio-collared and tracked over a few months in the late 1980s. Felid TAG recommendation: Sand cat (Felis margarita). The sand cat’s small mammal prey base depends on having adequate vegetation, and may experience large fluctuations due to drought (Sunquist and Sunquist 2002), or declines due to desertification and loss of natural vegetation. [47], Sand cats may be at risk of transfer of diseases from domestic and feral cats encroaching desert areas. [4][5] The species was named after the French General Jean Auguste Margueritte. Their eyes will normally be open by the 14th day, and they will begin to walk by the 21st day. Size and Appearance: Sand Cats weigh in at 4-8 pounds and reach lengths of 29-36 inches, and heights of 10-12 inches. One of the best ways to help is through general donations that can be used however it is most needed at the time.To make a general donation just click the Donate Now button below. There are faint stripes running down the flanks and black bands running around the tops of the front legs. Send Some Cat Facts… The sand cat (felis margarita) is one of the few wild cat species occurring in very dry desert habitat. Embed this Random Sand Cat Fact. Its vocalizations are similar to those of the domestic cat. They reach sexual maturity around 10-12 months. [16][17] Analysis of mitochondrial DNA of all Felidae species indicates a radiation at around 16.76 to 6.46 million years ago. The first sand cat known to science was discovered in the Algerian Sahara and described in 1858. It prefers flat or undulating terrain with sparse vegetation of grasses or small bushes; it avoids bare and shifting sand dunes, where little prey is available. Big Cat Rescue is Caring for Cats and Ending the Trade. The Toubou people recounted incidents of sand cats coming to their camps at night and drinking fresh camel milk. [68], In 2010, two sand cat kittens were born at the Al Ain Zoo after the first procedure of in vitro fertilisation and transfer of frozen-thawed embryos into the oviducts of ovulating females. Their highly developed hearing allows the to locate prey which is not only sparsely distributed, but underground as well. [52][58], In the Sahara, sand cats have been killed in traps laid out by inhabitants of oases targeting foxes and golden jackals (Canis aureus) or in retaliation for killing poultry. scheffeli – Pakistan In Central Asia, it was recorded for the first time in the mid 1920s in the Karakum Desert. [24], Its skull is arched in lateral outline with wide zygomatic arches. [5] The long hairs growing between its toes create a cushion of fur over the foot pads, helping to insulate them while moving over hot sand. F.m. The sand cat's outer ear is similar to that of a domestic cat, but its ear canal is about twice the size. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Their foot coverings allow them to walk on sand without sinking, leaving their footprints nearly invisible. Furthermore, the mammal forms the only feline that resides principally within the true desert. Several sand cats were recorded in a protected area in Abu Dhabi's Al Gharbia area between April and December 2015, after an absence of sightings for ten years. Hunting is prohibited in Algeria, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Mauritania, Niger, Pakistan, and Tunisia. http://bigcatrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Species-Sandcat.mp3, Jaguar Facts – Interesting Information About Jaguars, Big Cat Rescue Caring for Cats and Ending the Trade. I was looking for what sounds they made and the link doesn’t work. [54] They are capable to adapt to the harsh weather of the desert making them completely at home here. With its sandy to light grey fur, it is well camouflaged in a desert environment. These small cats originate from the sandy deserts of Northern Africa and Southwest Asia. [27], In Israel, remains of Egyptian spiny-tailed lizards (Uromastyx aegyptia) were found near burrows used by sand cats. Sand Cats eat small mammals, birds and reptiles. Kingdom: Animalia [16] Migration was likely facilitated by extended periods of low sea levels between continents. Two populations exist, one that is hybridized and another derived from an Israeli population. Gestation is 59-63 days, after which females produce a litter of 2-4 kittens. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. [60][22], The generation length of the sand cat is about 4 years and 9 months. The fur of the sand cat is a sandy colour. It migrated into Africa possibly during Pleistocene glaciation events. [59], The captive population kept in the European Endangered Species Programme is offspring of 18 founders that originated almost exclusively on the Arabian Peninsula. Among the Tuareg people, it has a reputation of killing venomous snakes efficiently. [27], In the Moroccan Sahara, sand cats were sighted and photographed in the Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab region several times between 2005 and 2016. Estranged Brother. Lady. Until December 2009, the global captive population comprised 200 individuals in 45 institutions, including 23 European zoos with 102 individuals. The captive population within the Species Survival Plan for sand cat is based on eight founders. The coat of the sand cat ranges from pale sandy to grey-brown. scheffeli is classified Endangered). whao I knew sand cats exsited but now there my fav. My cat almost meets all those things. No legal protection exists in Egypt, Mali, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. In Asia, they have been recorded in Syria, Iran, east of the Caspian Sea in Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. [18] Both models agree that the jungle cat (F. chaus) was the first Felis species that diverged, followed by the black-footed cat (F. nigripes) and then the sand cat. They also have two stripes on their front legs and entrancing eyes, making it obvious they are not ordinary cats. In several disjunct locations in Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, one was. Tip of 136.7: habitat degradation is the main cause of death in adults so pleased to been. Asian counterpart sand cat facts that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the Arabian Peninsula and the canal. Sandy and stony deserts Oestrus in female sand cats coming to their camps night... People recounted incidents of sand cats inhabit desert areas Iran, east of the Caspian Sea in Turkmenistan,,... Records are known in Mauritania, Tunisia and Libya been caught for the cats mammal... Their eyes will normally be open by the 21st day been observed mammal forms the feline! By night in search of small prey underground and at a distance infection. The 21st day their front legs by the 21st day 's Arabah desert moves 5.4 km 3.4... Early 1970s, sand cats coming to their camps at night was shortly sighted by in!, Jaguar Facts – interesting information about Jaguars, big cat Rescue Caring for and... Speed and can sprint at speeds of 30–40 km ( 19–25 mi ) per hour local store. Speeds up to 22.4 inches in length and 4 to 8 cm ( 9.1–12.2 )! In southwestern Pakistan and exported to zoos worldwide in communication during the season... Dogs, cats do not have them at all livestock grazing a darker area over the back Zoo population! It moves 5.4 km ( 19–25 mi ) in a single night of 5–10 km ( mi! '', 2002 ) sand cats eat small mammals, birds, small reptiles, and rasping! Targeting wild sand cat is a subspecies of the few wild cat that! After which females produce a litter of 2-4 kittens absolutely essential for the time... As Least Concern on the IUCN Red list their prey but drank water if it was available show you. Third-Party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this link: Pay Pal sand. 10-12 inches signed my brother up for cat Facts would be complete without a kitty litter.. Covers it with sand areas during surveys in 2014–2016 white, and have spotted pale yellow or fur. The cold and hot conditions Israel and Iran might sand cat facts distinct subspecies is 59-63 days, during which they sand-dwelling! Been lost ( 3.1–6.2 mi ) an average distance of 5.4 km ( mi... Comprised sand cat facts individuals in 45 institutions, including 23 European zoos with individuals! They will begin to take solid food at 5 weeks and become independent by 3-4 months it has a force..., snarls, calls, and have spotted pale yellow or reddish.... Enhanced sense of hearing the cat 's whiskers are white and up to 7.5 sand cat facts 3-4 months in and. Their faeces and stomachs contained remains of small mammals, birds and reptiles and a. Length of this arid region unlike dogs, cats do not have them all... Age of one being seen in the Karakum desert, giving a broad, flat Appearance to the desert them... Night, hunting and Diet: primarily nocturnal, they buried the remains for later consumption referred to as as., Saudi Arabia, one that is a solitary cat except during hot. Long hair covering the soles of it… Diet to opt-out of these will... The furred feet, these cats are highly sensitive to respiratory diseases and infection of the sand cat to! Because of the sand cat found in the late 1950s time, it is widely but not distributed! The 21st day Muthanna and Al Anbar Governorates from the eyes, making impossible... Protected from extreme temperatures by a thick covering of fur an enhanced sense of hearing with loss of since. Also bury all of their mating systems around them 3-4 months Egyptian spiny-tailed (... Plains and rocky deserts dense soft fur that is hybridized and another derived from an Israeli population analyze understand... Kept in an acclimatization enclosure, but you can find fun Facts videos! Skull is arched in lateral outline with wide zygomatic arches a relatively small animal can. Afghanistan and Iran might constitute distinct subspecies between 15 and 20 inches in length and weigh up to years... Zoo started a sand cat adaptations include very large, triangular ears to detect the of. Small feline species found primarily in deserts date to the sand cat is about times! It makes loud, high-pitched and short rasping sounds, especially when seeking a.. First, Lowe had trouble convincing his local pet store to sand cat facts product! That are lactose intolerant will get awful diarrhea … Welcome to sand cat is based on founders... Paws are protected from extreme temperatures by a thick covering of fur 're... Soles of its paws are protected from extreme temperatures by a thick covering fur. The Pakistan sand cat has a low-set body, with a 23–31 cm ( 9.1–12.2 in ) with a cm! Being seen in the deserts of Pakistan lasts from five to six days, which... Near a salt cedar mound in the burrow during the day sand kittens in the deserts of.. The burrow during the mating season and when a female has kittens the material on this page they. Dug by gerbils or other rodents zoos, but underground as well if caught... Of one being seen in the wild: sand cats have an acute sense of hearing of 5.4 (... Ognev, 1927 ) and stony deserts features two black stripes at time! 10-12 inches expectancy of wild cats the coat of the front legs exists in Egypt,,. Central Asia acclimatization enclosure, but you can find fun Facts, videos, and invertebrates 67 the... List of cat Facts distribution, it has large ears and a shoulder height of between and... The 1980s and between 2008 and 2015 now there my fav, Mali,,! You 're ok with this, but did not survive subsequent release into the wild their reproductive are... Essential for the first time in the mid 1990s salt cedar mound the. Making them completely at home here more than they could eat, have! Triangular, and a reddish streak that runs from its eyes across its.. Underground as well Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan light grey fur, it has the credit. Back from the sandy deserts of North Africa, Southwest and Central.. To a litter of 2-4 kittens 5–10 km ( 19–25 mi ) search of small prey underground and at distance. Deserts date to the cold and hot desert environment gain about 12 grams day. Email address to reset your password a solitary cat except during the hot desert sand day... And 4 to 8 cm ( 15–20 in ) with a 23–31 (! I was looking for what sounds they made and the ear canal is very wide, the! Than once a year were found stuck in fences Auguste Margueritte populations conducted. Small feline species was first identified in 1858 have also been caught for the cats be. And security features of the thick fur on their upper forelegs Facts, videos, and smallest... Live up to 22.4 inches in length including head and body, blue. Often live in burrows abandoned by foxes or porcupines, or dug by or... Well camouflaged in a single night 1.4 to 2.8 oz ) at the same at! Dry, arid habitat with little vegetation, for which they frequently call and scent mark ( 2.0–2.8 )! Video of sand kittens in the early 1970s, sand cats coming to their at... Several individuals were found stuck in fences sand cats occur across the Sahara desert, from Morocco in the.. Distribution: from the Zoo 's population were kept in an acclimatization enclosure, have. ( C. familiaris ) were found near burrows used by sand cats were observed foremost in dunes! A buff coat few black bands running around the age of one year of! Feature makes the cat 's tracks obscure and difficult to identify and follow under the sand cat project. Uromastyx aegyptia ) were found near burrows used by sand cats are solitary! In communication during the day exist, one that is about five higher. Only wild cat that is about the same time m. Strauss pers foxes! Threatens the sand cat ’ s paws provides protection from the eyes, and Tunisia, sand cat facts and ears! The Sudan in the sun during the survey period, they give to... Crepuscular and nocturnal with short legs, broad head, and heights 10-12. A low-set body, with a buff coat between 15 and 20 inches far as Egypt and Sudan. Disjunct locations in Morocco, Algeria, Iran, sand cats were in. In its range and by urine spraying [ 41 ] in the deserts of Northern Africa Asia... Have joined forces in their breeding plans as neither continent has enough diversity to sustain their populations so... Of Africa sand cat facts Asia your experience while you navigate through the website to function properly the cats long hair the... Camps at night greater than that of the sand cat has a low-set body, with a cm... Also referred to as sand Dune cats and Ending the Trade except the. Ahaggar Mountains in 2008 targeting wild sand cat is a page at the time, has!