Arabian Sand Cat Spotted for First Time in a Decade

Species: Arabian sand cat (Felis margarita harrisoni)

Habitat: Deserts of Arabia, northern Africa and central Asia

Blink and you’ll miss it. The sand cat is a shy and secretive animal only seen in the desert at night.

It’s a nocturnal hunter perfectly adapted to its desert home. It doesn’t need to drink water as it can get all it needs from the small birds, reptiles and mammals that are its prey. Special hairs in its ears and on its paws keep the sand out.

Despite its wide distribution across the deserts of North Africa, Arabia and Central Asia, little is known about this elusive species.

“There’s an absence of scientists working on sand cats and very few assessments are being made to assess the behaviour, population and status of the species,” says John Newby of the Sahara Conservation Fund.

Mike Lane/Alamy Stock Photo

Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark/National Geographic Creative

Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi

Appearance

Barchan cat different sizes among the smallest wild cats: its body length of 65-90 cm, with 40% takes the tail, withers height – 24-30 cm; mass of adult males – 2,1-3,4 kg, females are smaller. The head is large and broad, flattened, with whiskers. The ears are large and wide, without brushes. Iris yellow, slit-shaped pupil. Feet in sand-dune cat short, strong. Foot covers stiff coat that protects the pads from burning hot sand.

The fur from cats Barchan thick and soft, protecting the body from the cold night temperatures. Color patronizing varies from sandy to light gray. On the back and tail are darker, gray-brown stripes, but that often merge with the general tone of the fur. Drawing on the head and legs darker and more pronounced. The tip of the tail blackish or black. Chest and chin lighter in tone. In Central Asia, the winter at Barchan cat appears thicker winter coat dull sandy color with a gray tinge.