2024-01-17 08:24:20
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – If you are lucky enough to spot a sand cat in the deserts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it is natural to be affected, as it appears as a weak creature with no strength.
But don’t be fooled by its cute appearance, as it may have adaptive abilities that help it in its environment.
The sand cat inhabits sandy areas. Credit: @m_a_alshawi
According to what the National Center for Wildlife Development in the Kingdom wrote on the “X” platform (formerly Twitter), this animal, which inhabits sandy areas, is distinguished by its “high ability” to adapt to the lack of water and food.
Photographer Muhammad Al-Shawi spotted this animal by chance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia several years ago. Credit: @m_a_alshawi
Moreover, it is believed to be the only type of cat capable of withstanding hot desert environments, according to what was stated by the official account of the Saudi Green Initiative via the “X” platform. It is also a skilled night hunter who loves isolation and concealment, and his feet leave almost no traces, so he rarely What is seen in nature.
This animal is distinguished by its high ability to adapt to lack of water and food. Credit: FRANCK FIFE/Contributor
The Saudi photographer, Muhammad Al-Shawi, who is from the Buraidah region, was able to document this isolation-loving creature in the Kingdom about 7 years ago.
Al-Shawi said in an interview with CNN Arabic: “The sand cat is a shy animal that rarely appears to people, and it is very cautious. His appearance in front of me was by chance.”
It is rarely seen in nature. Credit: @m_a_alshawi
The cat remained in front of the photographer for only two minutes before returning to its dark hole.
The Saudi photographer saw that the beauty of the cat is considered one of its interesting aspects, and its body is characterized by its yellowish-gray color, with broad lines on its limbs, according to what was stated by the National Center for Wildlife Development.
This cat feeds on rodents, reptiles, and birds. Credit: HASSAN AMMAR / Stringer
The photographer emphasized: “I hope to realize the importance of the presence of these creatures in our environment, and to preserve them so that the desert environment remains healthy.”
The sand cat, which is a nocturnal animal, feeds on rodents and reptiles, and its primary enemy in nature is humans, then eagles, owls, hyenas, and birds, according to what the National Center for Wildlife Development stated,
The sand cat lives in sandy desert areas across Africa, Central Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula, according to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. Credit: @m_a_alshawi
Al-Shawi is interested in documenting natural landmarks and wild animals, as his journey with photography began approximately 25 years ago with old cameras that required developing photos.
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