Caracal is one of the heaviest of the small cats and is a great athlete and runner. It's unique tree climbing and jumping abilities set it apart from other wild felines. Named scientifically as Caracal Caracal it is also often called African or Persian Lynx owing to similarities in appearance with the lynx, though genetic research now suggests that it is more closely related to the Serval.
Caracal is one of the heaviest of the small cats and is a great
athlete and runner. It's unique tree climbing and jumping abilities set
it apart from other wild felines. Named scientifically as Caracal
Caracal it is also often called African or Persian Lynx owing to
similarities in appearance with the lynx, though genetic research now
suggests that it is more closely related to the Serval.
The coat
is generally sand colored though melanism has been recorded. Young ones
have reddish spots though they disappear with age. Weight ranges around
30 to 40 lbs, with males being heavier, whilst length is nearly two
feet not inclusive of the one foot tail. The distinguishing feature is
its long ears, marked by blackish tufts of hair that enable it to
accurately locate the source of a sound.
Caracal's agile body and
cunning makes it a successful hunter. It is able to survive long
periods without water since it quenches its water requirements from the
fluids of its prey. This attribute enables Caracal to survive for long
periods in dry, desert areas without water sources. Its camouflage
enables it to take down a wide spectrum of prey animals including
hares, rodents, birds, hydraxes, deer, gazelles and kudus. Caracal is
also considered one of the best bird hunters amongst mammals. Its great
jumping ability means that it can catch nearly a dozen birds in one
leap! For a long time in Asia, Caracal was tamed and used as a hunting
cat. A nocturnal hunter, it has been known to hunt during daytime in
colder seasons and at times take its prey up trees like leopards.
Despite
existing in healthy numbers, Caracals are rarely seen in the wild. They
live alone or in pairs. Pregnancy, as in the case of most cats, lasts
nearly three months after which an average of two or three kittens are
born. They are weaned off at nearly three months and stay with the
mother until one year of age.
