Sand Cat at Merzouga, Morocco (1 Viewer)

Sand Cat photographed at Merzouga, Morocco, for the first time in almost three decades.

Acrocephalus said:

Sand Cat photographed at Merzouga, Morocco, for the first time in almost three decades.

Click to expand...

Are Sand Cats known to be attracted to human settlement? Because what has become of Merzouga is anything but a wilderness (more like a theme park), so unless a species is positively inclined to human presence, it is unlikely ti get established there.

opisska said:

Are Sand Cats known to be attracted to human settlement? Because what has become of Merzouga is anything but a wilderness (more like a theme park), so unless a species is positively inclined to human presence, it is unlikely ti get established there.

Click to expand...

I don’t think they are attracted to human settlements; quite the opposite, these should be considered as threats to them (habitats degradation, disturbance, dogs,…).

But I don’t understand the second – highlighted – part of your post. Could you elaborate why you think so?

Acrocephalus said:

I don’t think they are attracted to human settlements; quite the opposite, these should be considered as threats to them (habitats degradation, disturbance, dogs,…).

But I don’t understand the second – highlighted – part of your post. Could you elaborate why you think so?

Click to expand...

I mean since you are Moroccan (right?) you must have seen it yourself. The "Auberge area" is now basically a city, there is not only a lot of accomodations, but there is an actual city, with streets and other infrastructure about a kilometer north, which looks pretty new. Then if you venture into the dunes, it's sprawling with people, there are camps, camel caravans for tourists etc... there is just not really any wilderness anywhere close to Merzouga to be seen.

You are right about the chaos around Merzouga, but despite this there is enough wildness to support even one of the most “persecuted” mammals, namely the fennec fox (persecuted here means the widespread illegal capture and trade). Have a look at this video recorded last summer in the heard of Erg Chebbi showing fennec cubs playing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-sme-HtccY

What most people don’t understand is that Merzouga is as popular among Moroccans as with birders (both nationals and foreigners). The latter, as you all known, visit the area to easily see many North African specialties. Whereas the Moroccans (non-birders) visit the area for many reasons (from just to enjoy the sun and sand,…to sand bathing for therapeutic purposes).

What I am trying to say, is that people are trying to make a living, and it’s difficult for outsiders to fully understand the situation from just a couple of visits.

Yes, I am Moroccan.

Sand cat filmed in June 2019

A sand cat filmed in the east of Merzouga in June 2019. Here’s the video (taken by phone): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y63cm2ooYPg

By the way, the photos of the February sighting can be seen here: http://www.magornitho.org/2019/03/sand-cat-merzouga-morocco/