Saudi Arabia, located on the Arabian Peninsula, is characterized by its vast desert landscapes. This includes the Rub'al Khali (Empty Quarter), one of the largest sand deserts in the world. The country's climate is predominantly dry and hot, with daytime temperatures often reaching 40 to 50 degrees Celsius, and cooler nights dropping to around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Despite its arid environment, Saudi Arabia is home to a variety of wildlife adapted to harsh desert conditions. In this article, let's focus on two remarkable animals that call this extraordinary land home: the Arabian leopard and the sand cat.
The Arabian leopard: The elusive big cat
The Arabian leopard is the smallest leopard subspecies. It was described in 1830 and is native to the Arabian Peninsula, where it was widely distributed in rugged hilly, and montane terrain until the late 1970s. In 2008, it was estimated that there were between 45 and 200 Arabian leopards across three isolated subpopulations located in western Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen. By 2023, the total population is estimated to have dwindled to between 100 and 120 individuals, primarily in Oman and Yemen. Unfortunately, this species is now believed to be possibly extinct in Saudi Arabia. Despite being the smallest leopard subspecies, it is the largest cat in the Arabian Peninsula.
An Arabian leopard rests on a rock. /CFP
Sand cat: The adorable tiny hunter
The sand cat, also known as the desert cat, is one of the most well-adapted feline species in Saudi Arabia and the wider Arabian region. Despite its small size – usually weighing between 1.5 to 3.5 kilograms – the sand cat is a formidable hunter, capable of catching prey much larger than itself, such as hares and large birds. It thrives in the harsh desert environment, living in some of the driest areas where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically.
Sand cats are nocturnal, which helps them avoid the scorching daytime heat. They hunt a variety of prey, including small rodents, birds, insects, and even venomous snakes. Their large, sensitive ears allow them to detect the slightest movements underground, giving them a significant advantage when hunting. The sand cat's adorable appearance, with its big eyes and small frame, contrasts sharply with its fierce hunting abilities. This contrast makes it a truly unique predator in the Arabian desert.
A sand cat is cleaning itself. /CFP
BRICS' wildlife wonders
The BRICS nations span vast and diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to arid deserts. Within these ecosystems lies a treasure trove of wildlife, much of which is unique to these regions. Join us on a journey to explore the extraordinary biodiversity of the BRICS countries.
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(Cover image designed by CGTN's Li Wenyi & Liu Shaozhen)