Sand Cat Habitat And Food
Sand Cats will also cover large kills with sand and return later to feed.
Sand cat habitat and food. Sand Cats feed on rodents birds lizards and snakes and they are generally active throughout the night aided in hunting by their excellent night vision. The sand cat is the only felid found primarily in true deserts. It prefers areas of sparse vegetation mixed with sandy and rocky areas which supports rodent and small bird prey.
They are found near the patches of sparse vegetation that can support their prey species and the cats have special adaptations to survive in the extreme desert conditions. Sand cats are mainly carnivorous and eat small mammals reptiles including venomous snakes birds insects and spiders. Its 57 cm short ears are set low on the sides of the head aiding detection of prey moving underground.
Local people sometimes trap sand cats for pets. Sand cat is carnivore meat-eaters. Farmers shepherd dogs sometimes kill sand cats.
Sand cats live in temperatures that sometimes rise to more than 40C 104F. The long legs of the stately serval allow it to make spectacular leaps into the air to catch birds in flight. Three different caretakers took care of the health and feeding of the animal and cleaning of the enclosure.
They are found in areas of sandy and stony desert. The sand cat of North Africa and the Middle East survives in a land with very little water by hunting at night and sleeping and keeping cool during the day. The magnificent Arabian Sand Cat appears to have a widespread though disjointed distribution.
Habitat degradation is the major threat to the sand cat. Sand cats are found in both sandy and stony desert. Traps are set by people to kill foxes and wolves.