National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The steppe cat belongs to the family Felidae and is often active during daylight hours. In Uzbekistan, it is widely distributed across desert and semi-desert landscapes, as well as in riparian tugai forests, shrublands along riverbanks and reed beds near water bodies.

This species is exceptionally well adapted to desert conditions. It can survive for extended periods without water, while its sandy-coloured coat provides excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. The steppe cat hunts primarily at night. Its highly acute hearing enables it to detect the movement of rodents even beneath the ground, while its soft paws allow it to move silently across the sand.

For reference: The "Aktag-Tamdi" State Nature Reserve was established in February 2022 in the Tamdi District of Navoi Region. The reserve is home to more than 10 species of mammals, over 20 species of birds, and around 10 species of reptiles. Of these, 16 species are listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan.