Sand Cat Endangered Facts

Habitat degradation is the major threat to the sand cat.

Sand cat endangered facts. The sand cat is the only wild cat that is not threatened with loss of habitat since it is found in the desert. Desertification loss of vegetation and habitat degradation along with persecution in retaliation for killing chicks have put them at risk. But this species is threatened by hunting and collection for the pet trade.

Some are killed by humans who consider them a threat to their livestock. Traps and snares intended for other animals such as the fox. How are sand cats being protected.

The major threat to the Sand Cat being endangered is habitat degeneration. Vulnerable arid ecosystems are being rapidly degraded by human settlement and activity especially livestock grazing Allan and Warren 1993 Al-Sharhan et al. Sand cats are threatened by habitat loss hunting and collection for the pet trade.

Roads cutting through habitat. After mating the female sand cat has a gestation period of 59 67 days. Interesting Sand Cat Facts.

The sand cats small mammal prey base depends on having adequate vegetation and may experience large fluctuations due to drought Sunquist and Sunquist 2002 or declines due to desertification and loss of natural vegetationOther localized threats include the introduction of feral and domestic dogs and cats creating direct competition and through predation and. Sand cat is listed as nearly threatened which means that it may become endangered in the near future. Sand cat is small animal that can reach 16 to 18 inches in length and 4 to 8 pounds in weight.

Desert ecosystems are being degraded by people. Sand Cats are the most difficult to study cat breeds in the wild. Why are sand cats endangered.