The Cutest Cat is Endangered - Sand Cat

SAND CAT

Background 

The sand cat is a species of a cat that is currently and severely endangered. It’s still one of the least commonly known, although it is recently thrived in Northern Africa, South West and Central Asia. Sand Cat are about the same size of a domestic and  they cutest and smallest of all wild cats found in the desert of Northern Africa and Central Asia. The adult cats can grow up to 22 inches and up to roughly 7 pounds and most of the males are larger than the females. Their coat varies in color from grey to sandy with dark stripes on the tail and legs. They have a long hairs extending from the ears which protect their hearing against the sand of the dessert. Its thick fur acts as insulation against the extreme cold of the dessert night and their feet and pads are covered with long hair which protect them from the heat of the desert surface and give them extra support needed in moving across the soft sand.

Habitat and Threat

Sand cats have recently become more scattered and their habitant now are in separate group lives. They live in very specific areas of the Sahara desert, North Pakistan, the Arabian Peninsula and the western coast of the Caspian Sea. 

They are hard to capture and track, because of that the rate of population decline is unknown. Scientists have agreed that fewer than 10,000 of these animals still exist in the world. Sand cats thrive in some of the world driest areas and have a range beyond any other feeling. It can also survive extreme temperatures ranging from -5^o Celsius to 52^o Celsius. They are able to survive for month on only the water in their food, although it will water when it is available. With it big eyes and small size nose, this cat may look harmless but do not underestimate as it is but it is an excellent hunter. Their extremely sensitive ears are capable of catching noise of small animals that are below and above their head or several distance away and they often tend to get their food as necessary, which includes various types of rodents, birds and reptiles including snakes.

Sand Cats faces many threats that could lead to extinction such as legal hunting, killed in trap laid out for rodents’ farm predators (foxes, etc) and diseases from domestic animals. They are been hunted and collected for pet trade which results in many cats dying in captivity. Their habitat are also been degraded by human settlement and activities especially livestock grazing and also a direct competition for preys or food with other animal/species in the same habitant. They are highly sensitive to respiratory diseases and infection of their respiratory tract. This is the main cause of death in adult cats.

Action 

 An international trade agreement has to be extended to all countries around the world. The agreement has help trading of sand cat and products made/created from sand cat. Hunting and trading is prohibited in Algeria, Iran, Niger and Israel as now and more countries should be added.

All religion should promote cat welfare (animal welfare). If a religion doesn’t not promote animal welfare then is it not worth being part of it. Abraham Lincoln once said; 

“I care not much for a man’s religion whose dog and cat are not better for it”.

  Muslim believe sand cat to have accompanied Prophet Muhammad throughout his journey on the Sahara desert, because of this sand cats are respected by the Muslims.

Scientist and Researchers are working on reproductive technique called fertilization in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer has been introduced into reproducing the cat population and it is conducted in collaboration with University of Illinois and the Cincinnati Zoo.  This project is funded by Morris Animal Foundation.  (Click on the link to donate. Dollar for a dollar - your gift will be doubled)

Public awareness should be created using all media available to us. Our voice should be heard on any social media. Any suspicious activities found about a threat to sand cat should be reported to law enforcement. The early we stop and report the illegal activities the better, let remember Prevention is better than cure. We dont have to wait for these beautiful animal to be extremely extinct before proper procedures are taking.

AFRICAN WILD DOGS

African Wild Dogs are hunting dogs that are normally found in the savannah and dry zones of African which are Kenya, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, etc… They are also found in hilly savannah countries and can also be found in the deep forest. They are the most efficient hunter to mankind and can run at a speed of 35mph. They are considered to be very quiet social and very intelligent. 


Fun Facts about African Wild Dogs
Their Scientific name means "Painted Wolf" 
They are always in a pack(family) of 6-20 
The males stay in their natural pack while the females migrate ans join new packs.
Their pups are old enough to eat solid foods.


Why are they endangered?

Loss of Territory- As human population is increasing  so is our towns and cities, which creates a smaller room or environment for these packs to grow in, making them lose their space of growth and habitat and also they are strongly affected by the competition with larger carnivores  

Oppression from Human- As the human populations space increases, they a conflict between the dogs. They are often shot as a threat to their livestocks and out of fear. Some are poisoned and killed by hunters. Some are also knocked down by cars and many more. 

Infectious Diseases- Many of the dogs are infected by rabies, canine distemper, anthrax, Ehrlichiosis and many other virus and bacteria. They get infected through  their prey they feed on from livestocks. 


Predators- Carnivores like the lion and hyena kill their wild dog pups(cubs) at the brooding site, which makes   the packs expand to more unprotected areas, making them more unsecured/unprotected.





How can we save them?

Adopting a wild dog - There are wild life conservation center across countries adopting wild dogs. Buying a adoption kits, which values from $50-$1000. You receive pictures of the pups(dog) you are adopting, adoption certificate, a plush and other collegiate of the dog. 

Community Outreach- Local farmers and citizens needs to be aware of the dangers and effect they are having on the wild dogs, and they should come up with a way or plan of protecting their livestock or reduce the fear they have in them(community memebers) concerning the wild dogs. And also avoid unnecessary hunting and claiming on their(wild dog) space. 

Photo Credit Rouben Bote

Teachers and professors(conservation specialist) should educate the youth, and local schools on dangers and awareness of wild life conversations and making them wild life leaders.
Vaccination of domestic and wild life dog campaign awareness should be raised. Visit local conservation center and take action by signing petition for the government to sponsor wild conservation. Every year the government cut budget across board, which has a huge negative impact on funding for conversations.  

Let’s be mindful of the decision we make that affects our planet!!!