Caracal

Felis caracal

Status in the Wild: These cats were once common throughout their range. Now their numbers are reduced and, in Asia they are rare. Although they are not on the U.S. endangered species list, the Asian caracals are listed in appendix I of CITES.

Range: Africa, through the Middle East to northwestern India.

Habitat: Arid open areas such as savannas, bush country, steppes and rocky terrain; is not found in sand deserts.

Description: The coloration of the caracal is a uniform rust to orange-brown on the back and sides with a light tan to white underside. These cats stand about eighteen inches at shoulder. The head and body length is about twenty-eight inches and the tail is relatively short. These cats can weigh up to about forty pounds.

The most striking characteristic of the caracal is its very large pointed ears topped with very distinct tufts of hair. This ear shape increases the cat’s hearing ability. In addition to their size, the ears are distinctly marked. The backs are black, edged with white.

Characteristics: Caracals will take a wide variety of prey that include small or young antelope, rodents, hares, hyraxes, birds and lizards. Birds are caught while roosting or batted down while flying. Although they are excellent runners, caracals use the stalk and strike hunting technique, common to most felines. They are also excellent leapers and climbers. They are primarily crespuscular hunters but may hunt at night during hot weather; in Asia they are diurnal during the winter.

Caracals are solitary and territorial. When they are not active, they use dens that may be found in crevices in rocks, hollows under tree roots, grass mounds or abandoned dens or other animals.

In India, caracals were once used as hunting cats, used primarily for hunting birds.

Gestation: The cubs are born in July through September after a gestation period of 70 to 78 days. Litter size may be from one to six with two to three cubs most common. They reach sexual maturity at 21 months.