The elusive sand cat can be found in various wild locations east of Arar in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region.
Once threatened by poaching and habitat destruction, the sand cat is making a comeback thanks to the establishment of nature reserves and environmental protection initiatives.
Sand cats have coats that range from pale sandy to grey-brown, with darker fur on their backs and lighter fur on their bellies. They often have stripes on their legs and distinctive red markings on their cheeks. Their heads are broad, featuring large eyes and low-set ears, and they have short limbs, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Despite the ongoing threats posed by humans, the sand cat has adapted to its harsh desert environment by digging burrows for shelter and conserving water and energy. Sand cats are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, avoiding the intense heat of the desert by hiding in their burrows. Their digging ability is essential for creating shelter from extreme weather conditions.
Nasser Al Majlad, Director of the Aman Environmental Association in the region, highlighted the diverse wildlife of the Northern Borders, which thrives in its varied terrain, including mountains, plateaus, plains, valleys, and ravines. The region’s abundance of plant life also supports the ecosystem.
