In the usual desert image, people only think of a sandy floor stretching for miles. We see that many people ignore the fact that this environment, which confronts people with sandstorms and sand hills, is actually home to a large number of living things. In this context, it is useful to know that you will not be alone when you go to these endless places.
Let’s put aside the creatures we are accustomed to from documentaries such as the scorpion, snake and fox. Now we will take a look at the Turkestan sand cat, which is much sweeter than them, but not one step behind in being dangerous. The breed in question has many features that are different from the cats we know.
Also known by different names such as the Arabian sand cat, this kitty is resistant to harsh conditions:
This species, which lives in the Sahara Desert, Arabian Peninsula and Central Asia, is quite resistant to the extreme cold and heat of these places. In the morning, while the sun scorches the desert, it also heats the sands unbearably.
The hairs under the sand cat’s paws prevent the paw from coming into direct contact with the hot sand, allowing it to move comfortably. These feathers also prevent it from leaving traces behind, making it difficult to track.
Even the freezing cold that comes in the evening can’t beat them:
In this case, they can stay warm thanks to the thick fur they have. This is a very critical feature, especially since they go hunting at night.
In the morning, they usually wait for the sun to set. In the evening, they go hunting:
It is not a place that has the potential to bring you alive wherever you step, such as a desert or a forest. For this reason, they may have to wander for miles just to find prey from time to time. The same is true when they want to find a mate during their mating season.
In such cases, their ears, which seem quite large for their heads, come to their aid:
We can say that the biggest plus of the sand cat is these ears. These ears, which are quite functional for the desert, can sense even the slightest movement from far away. In this context, they can understand where their prey is, whether it is an insect or a rodent. When it comes to threats, these ears play a protective role with the same function.
In some of its preys, although it has developed hearing abilities like its own, the sand cat’s moving close to the ground, catching its prey when it least expects it rather than chasing it, and acting incredibly patient makes it superior to its prey.
Smaller than the cats we are used to, this species even preys on venomous snakes:
Sand cats’ prey includes small rodents, insects, spiders and snakes.
Doesn’t the sand cat, which looks like a house cat, get thirsty in the desert environment?
Of course it stays. However, unlike the house cats we are used to, it is known that this breed can stay without water for days or even weeks. They get the moisture they need from their prey.
Their breeding periods vary according to which of the regions they are listed in:
It has been observed that during these times, they make sounds similar to dog barking, but not exactly as identifiable, to find a mate. This species, which has a gestation period of 60 to 67 days, usually gives birth to three cubs. The resulting offspring only take 6 months to reach adulthood. Then they become independent.
You can share your thoughts in the comment section.
Sources: Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Animalogic, Utah’s Hogle Zoo
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