The Caracal(Caracal caracal) is a medium sized wild cat that can be found in Africa and Asia. The Caracal has tufted ears, and long legs.
Physical Characteristics
The Caracal has furry black tufts(also known as tassels) on the top of its ears, the ear tufts are about 4.5 cm(1.77 inches) long. There are 2 black stripes that extend from the forehead to its nose; its mouth is outlined with black and there are white patches surrounding the eyes and the mouth. The coat is reddish tan or beige. The underbelly and the insides of the legs are lighter, often with small reddish markings.
| Length | 71 cm – 1.1 m(2’4”-3’7.3”) |
| Shoulder Height | 40-50 cm (1’3.7”-1’7.7”) |
| Tail Length | 18-34 cm (7.1”-1’1.3”) |
| Ear Tufts | about 4.5 cm(1.77”) |
| Weight | 6-20 kg (13.2-44.1 lbs.) |
Range
The Caracal can be found in Africa, and Asia.
| Africa | Asia |
| Algeria | Afghanistan |
| Angola | India |
| Benin | Iran |
| Botswana | Iraq |
| Burkina Faso | Israel |
| Cameroon | Jordan |
| Central African Republic | Kazakhstan |
| Chad | Kuwait |
| Côte d’Ivoire | Lebanon |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | Oman |
| Djibouti | Pakistan |
| Egypt | Saudi Arabia |
| Eritrea | Syria |
| Eswatini | Tajikistan |
| Ethiopia | Turkey |
| Gambia | Turkmenistan |
| Ghana | United Arab Emirates |
| Guinea | Uzbekistan |
| Guinea-Bissau | Yemen |
| Kenya | |
| Lesotho | |
| Libya | |
| Malawi | |
| Mali | |
| Mauritania | |
| Morocco | |
| Mozambique | |
| Namibia | |
| Niger | |
| Nigeria | |
| Senegal | |
| Somalia | |
| South Africa | |
| Sudan | |
| Tanzania | |
| Togo | |
| Tunisia | |
| Uganda | |
| Western Sahara | |
| Zambia | |
| Zimbabwe | |
Habitat
Caracals inhabit forests, savannas, semideserts, and scrub forests.
Breeding
Caracals may breed at any time of the year. The female gives birth to 1 to 6 kittens after a gestation period of 2 to 3 months. The kittens eyes are closed at birth, but will open after approximately 10 days.
Diet
The Caracal eats mammals, such as rodents, and lagomorphs. Occasionally Caracals prey on antelope, and domestic livestock. Caracals also eat, birds, lizards, snakes, fish, and insects.
Conservation Status
The Caracal is listed as least concern.
Fun Facts
- The word Caracal is from a Turkish word that means “black-eared.”
- A Caracal can leap higher than 3 meters (9 feet, 10.11 inches) and catch birds in midair.
- Mountain Zebra National Park is a place where you may see a Caracal. Mountain Zebra National Park is located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
- The Caracal appears to have been a loved animal in ancient Egyptian culture, as it occurs in paintings and as bronze figurines.
- The Caracal can live for up to 17 years,
