Felids

This page has been developed in order to give more information on the various Felids that can be found in the Arabian Peninsula. The page will be updated on an ongoing basis and the aim is to include all the Felid species found on the Peninsula.

Order Carnivora:

Sand Cat

The Sand Cat or Dune Cat (Felis margarita) is very distinctive with its large broad ears and flat head, which are adaptations to hearing in the desert. It is very well suited to desert conditions, its preferred habitat, with its light sandy colouration. It has distinctive black rings on the lower parts of the legs, as well as the distil end of the tail. Its feet are covered with hair, which assist in moving over soft sand. The sand cat remains underground in a burrow throughout the day in summer, thus escaping the extreme temperatures of desert environments.

Their main sources of food in these arid conditions include various rodents, small lizards, insects, snakes and birds. Free water is not of prime importance as it is able to obtain all fluid requirements from its prey items, although they do drink water when available. The most active hunting periods are early morning and late afternoon, depending on the availability and foraging activities of their prey. The Sand cat’s current distribution over the Arabian Peninsula is sparse and largely restricted to the sand seas, where it is able to out compete animals such as the red fox and wild cat. During the mating season, in the cool winter months, a distinctive growling noise is used to attract mates.

Gordon's Wildcat

Similar in size to domestic cats, Gordon's Wildcat, Felis silvestris gordoni, varies in colour from tawny grey to a dull ash grey. It can be distinguished from tabby cats by the rusty brown colouring on the backs of the ears and the little tufts of hair on the ear ends. Another distinguishing characteristic is the four to five black bands on the tail ending in a black tip. Running along the back and flanks of the cat are very indistinct striations with a dark brownish black colour. The tail is barred with four to five black bands and the tip of the tail is black.

The wildcat sleeps throughout most of the day and then hunts during the night. Hunting takes place within its home range and this range is defended against other wildcats. The wildcat does not just use one den but relies on a number of dens scattered throughout its range. These include bushes, trees and fox holes. Competition does occur between foxes and wildcats, both for food and dens.

Food includes rodents, insects, small birds, lizards and fruit when in season.

Wildcats do not rely on a permanent source of water and can obtain all the water they require from the prey, which they hunt.

The mating season for wildcats is round about November to January and the gestation period is approximately 55-60 days. Litter size is usually 2-4 cubs.