Sand Cats Zoo Habitat

Sand cats are kept in many zoos and collections mainly in the USA Europe and the Middle East.

Sand cats zoo habitat. The Sand Cat Felis margarita is one of the few wild cat species occurring in very dry desert habitat. In addition our mountain lions receive large bones and sometimes parts of carcasses while our fishing cats are occasionally given goldfish to catch. Sand cats are native to the deserts of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Sand Cat Felis margarita Cats Mammals. The cats large ears help to provide it with excellent hearing. Sand Cats will also cover large kills with sand and return later to feed.

Nature perfectly equipped this little predator to live in extreme conditions. Life span in the wild is unknown. The Arabian Sand Cat is able to live without drinking water and sustains itself on the water it gets.

The sand cat does not need to drink often as it gets enough moisture from its prey. Because they need to burrow to escape the heat. The kitten small enough to fit into a teacup was born to mother.

Habitat degradation is the major threat to the sand cat. Highlights Sand cats have an exceptionally large middle ear cavity making them extremely sensitive to the small scratching sounds of burrowing rodents as well as large ears that can swivel and funnel sounds to the inner ear. As a public health precaution due to COVID-19 the Smithsonians National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has updated its hours and entry requirements.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature considers sand cats to be near threatened. Degradation of their desert habitats is the largest threat to sand cat populations. They are found in very arid habitats with little to no vegetation.