Sand Cat

Least Concern

Estimated remaining: Unknown

Habitat

Sandy and stony deserts of North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, adapted to extreme temperatures and scarce water availability.

Threats

• Habitat degradation from development
• Illegal pet trade
• Road mortality in desert areas
• Prey depletion from rodent control
• Climate change affecting desert ecosystems

Conservation efforts

Protected in desert reserves and national parks. Research on desert adaptations. Captive breeding programs. Community education in range countries. Monitoring of population distribution.