New records of the sand cat ( Felis margarita ) in southwestern Tunisia after 90 years

Abstract This study presents new records of the sand cat ( Felis margarita ) from six localities in southwestern Tunisia, approximately 90 years after the last published historical report from the country. Six direct observations, including one recorded on video, and ten semi-structured interviews documented the species’ presence across these localities. These findings fill an important knowledge gap regarding the current distribution of the sand cat in Tunisia and highlight the need for continued field surveys, increased public awareness, and targeted conservation measures to ensure the long-term persistence of this rare desert carnivoran in the Tunisian Sahara.