The status and ecology of the sand cat in the Uruq Bani Ma’arid Protected Area, Empty Quarter of Saudi Arabia

A groundbreaking camera-trap survey in the Uruq Bani Ma’arid Protected Area, part of the Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia, has revealed a significantly larger and more widespread population of sand cats than previously believed. The study, one of the largest desert-based surveys of its kind, captured over 1500 images across 100 camera-traps spread over 2400 km². Sand cats were found in all major habitats—escarpment plateaus, sand dunes, and interdunal gravel valleys—but showed a preference for the interior parallel dune system with gravel valleys during hot seasons. Unlike larger predators like the Arabian red fox or honey badger, which favored escarpment plateaus, sand cats exhibited minimal spatial interaction with other carnivores, except for Rueppell’s fox in the main dune system. Their strictly nocturnal behavior was also marked by 14% higher activity during hot seasons compared to cooler periods.

Amin, R., Wacher, T., Bruce, T., & Barichievy, C. (2021). The status and ecology of the sand cat in the Uruq Bani Ma’arid Protected Area, Empty Quarter of Saudi Arabia. Mammalia, 85(3), 220–226. https://doi.org/10.1515/mammalia-2020-0031