Sand Cat Habitat Needs

Prey capture is facilitated by the sand cats highly sensitive ears which are large and triangular and capable of detecting noises from animals both above and below the surface of the sand.

Sand cat habitat needs. The sand cat is the only felid found primarily in true deserts. Its 57 cm short ears are set low on the sides of the head aiding detection of prey moving underground. The saharan sand cat is patchily distributed in desert areas of morocco algeria niger and egypt.

Africas Sahara desert throughout the Arabian peninsula. Goodman and Helmy 1986 Primary Diet. There are 4 subspecies of sand cat that can be found in northern parts of Africa and south-eastern parts of Asia.

The sand cat also known as the sand dune cat is a small wild cat that inhabits sandy and stony deserts far from water sources. If it gets too hot outside the sand cat will retreat to burrows. 2003 and this factor continues to.

The sand cat rests in burrows during the day to seek protection from high or low air temperatures and to minimize the loss of moisture. Prey provide the sand cat with the fluids they need to live in places where there is little water. Sand cats live in three distinct regions of the world.

They are considered opportunistic feeders that take what they can find in their barren habitat. Bunaian et al 1998. Sand cats prefer a very dry arid habitat with little vegetation for which they are well adapted.

However some diurnal activity in Arabia was recorded especially in winter when conditions were cooler. The long hair covering the. Masters of evasion with coats the same color as the desert sands.