Body weights and measurements of African sand cats ( Felis margarita margarita )

During a telemetry study, body weights and body measurements of African sand cats Felis margarita margarita were recorded in the southern provinces of Morocco between December 2015 and December 2019. In total, 41 individuals (30 males and 11 females) were captured, weighed, and the body measurements of the specimens selected for radio-collaring were recorded, with a few individuals measured in different seasons. Captured males showed higher values in all parameters measured in winter. Males weighed significantly more than females, respectively 2.16 ± 0.36 kg ( N =29) and 1.70 kg ± 0.21 ( N =11), and, except for ear length, which did not significantly differ between sexes, we found significant differences between males and females for every other body measurement recorded: Males have significantly longer head-and-body length, tail, neck circumference, elbow-toe-tip length, shoulder length, canines, longer and wider front paws, and longer hindfoot length than females. Differences in body weight and measurements between adult and subadult males and females are also discussed. From three recaptured individuals, we found that winter weight was on average 14% heavier than summer weight.