Sand cat - Sand cat (English spelling)

Japanese: スナネコ(砂猫) - スナネコ（英語表記）sand cat

A mammal of the Felidae family in the carnivorous order (illustration). A wild cat with large triangular ears on the sides of its head, it is found in areas ranging from North Africa and Arabia to the Middle East and southern Russia. It is 45-57cm long and 28-35cm long. Its body is yellowish brown or gray brown, with black spots on its limbs, the tip of its tail, and the backs of its ears. The soles of its feet are covered with hair and are not exposed, making it suitable for life in sandy areas. It lives in dry wastelands and hides in shallow holes during the day. It comes out at night to prey on animals such as gerbils and jerboas. It usually gives birth to 2-4 pups in March or April. [Imaizumi Tadaaki]

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

食肉目ネコ科の哺乳類（イラスト）。大きな三角形の耳介が頭の側方についた野生ネコで，北アフリカ，アラビアから中東，ロシア南部まで分布。体長45～57cm，尾長28～35cm。体は黄褐色ないし灰褐色で，四肢，尾端，耳の背面に黒斑がある。足の裏は裸出せず毛で覆われ，砂地での生活に適する。乾いた荒地にすみ，日中は浅い穴に潜む。夜出てスナネズミやトビネズミなどを捕食する。ふつう3～4月に2～4子を生む。【今泉忠明】

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

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