Caracal

Felis Caracal - The Caracal

The largest African lesser cat and an exceptional climber and jumper, the caracal is a slenderly built cat with long legs and a short, sharply tapered tail. The Caracal resembles a cross between a leopard and a lynx.

Did you know? The name Caracal is derived from the Turkish word "karakulak" which means "black ear".

Its coat is reddish-brown with distinctive tufted ears and white markings around its eyes and on its throat, chin, and belly.

The Caracal is a skilled hunter and is literally able to "snatch" a bird out of the air. It has a powerful build and a leapord-like bark. Excellent tree climbers, caracal will drag take their prey into a tree to be eaten.

Size

The caracal stands 16 - 20 inches at the shoulder and weighs 40 to 45 pounds.

Habitat

Found in open, dry country from semi-desert to savanna. They hide and sleep in crevices among rocks and fallen trees.

Distribution

The Caracal is widespread and common throughout South Africa. They can be found at the world-renowned national parks of Kruger (near Phalaborwa) and Addo (outside Port Elizabeth), Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve near Hluhluwe and St Lucia, Molopo Game Reserve in the heart of the Kalahari, and the De Hoop Nature Reserve, which is only 260 kilometres from Cape Town.

Diet - Carnivores

The Caracal feeds on rodents, small antelope, hares and birds and sometimes eats sheep and goats. It is mainly active in the morning and evening although during the hottest months it hunts at night. The Caracal can survive for long periods without drinking as most of the moisture it needs comes from the tissue fluids of its prey.

Socialisation

Caracal are mostly nocturnal creatures, secretive and solitary. When cornered they become extremely aggressive. As a result of being hunted by farmers (as they prey on small livestock), caracal have became even more elusive and the possibily of seeing them has become fairly difficult.

Reproduction

Sexual maturity occurs at about 20 months.

Gestation

Gestation is 70 to 78 days and between 1 to 4 young are born.

Life Expectancy

12 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity.

Predators

• Humans - Caracal are often killed by farmers, because of predation on their livestock.
• Lions
• Hyenas