Sand Cat Key Facts
* Inhabits deserts
* Large triangular ears
* Thick furred pads
Sand Cat Facts
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Felis margarita
COMMON NAMES
Sand Dune Cat, Desert Cat
NAME ORIGIN
The Sand Cat was discovered in 1858 and was named after the French expedition leader General Margueritte.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern (Global). Note that within each country the status can differ to the global status.
The diminutive Sand Cat is stocky with short legs and a long tail. The light brown coat has greyish fur on the back and paler fur below, with a few stripes on the limbs and tail.
The Sand Cat occurs only in the desert regions of the Sahara, the Arabian Peninsular and southwest Asia.
BEHAVIOUR
The solitary Sand Cat feeds mainly on small desert rodents, hares, birds, reptiles and insects. They rarely drink water and obtain sufficient moisture from their prey. The cats dig burrows or extend other animals' burrows where they live to escape the harsh desert conditions.
Further Information
The following professional organizations have well researched and accurate information on Sand Cats:
- Conservation Status - IUCN Red List
- Detailed Account - IUCN Cat Specialist Group
- Academic Literature pdf - IUCN Cat Specialist Group
- Research Projects - Wild Cat Family
- Species Overview - International Society for Endangered Cats (ISEC)
- Fact File pdf - Arkive Wildscreen
