Arar: The Saudi Press Agency's lens has captured the elusive sand cat in various wild locations east of Arar in the Northern Borders region.
Once threatened by poaching and habitat destruction, the sand cat is making a comeback thanks to the establishment of nature reserves and environmental protection initiatives.
Sand cats have pale sandy to grey-brown coats with darker back fur and lighter belly fur. They often have stripes on their legs and distinctive red markings on their cheeks.
Their heads are wide with big eyes and low-set ears, and they have short limbs.
Despite the ongoing threat posed by humans, the sand cat has adapted to its harsh desert environment by digging burrows for shelter and conserving water and energy.
Sand cats are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular animals, avoiding the intense heat of the desert by hiding in burrows.
Their ability to dig is essential for creating shelter from extreme weather conditions.
Director of the Aman Environmental Association in the region Nasser Al-Majlad highlighted the Northern Borders region's diverse wildlife, which thrives in its varied terrain, including mountains, plateaus, plains, valleys, and ravines.
The region's abundance of plants also supports the ecosystem.
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