Arabian Sand Cat

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The Sand Cat or Dune Cat (Felis margarita) is very distinctive with its large broad ears and flat head, which are adaptations to hearing in the desert. It is very well suited to desert conditions, its preferred habitat, with its light sandy colouration. It has distinctive black rings on the lower parts of the legs, as well as the distil end of the tail. Its feet are covered with hair, which assist in moving over soft sand. The sand cat remains underground in a burrow throughout the day in summer, thus escaping the extreme temperatures of desert environments.
Their main sources of food in these arid conditions include various rodents, small lizards, insects, snakes and birds. Free water is not of prime importance as it is able to obtain all fluid requirements from its prey items, although they do drink water when available. The most active hunting periods are early morning and late afternoon, depending on the availability and foraging activities of their prey. The Sand cat’s current distribution over the Arabian Peninsula is sparse and largely restricted to the sand seas, where it is able to out compete animals such as the red fox and wild cat. During the mating season, in the cool winter months, a distinctive growling noise is used to attract mates.