Caracal

Caracal - Felis caracal

	Bull	Cow
Mass (adult)	8,6 - 20 kg	4,2 -14,5 kg
Shoulder height	± 43 cm	± 43 cm
Life expectancy	± 11 years	± 11 years

Trophy Records
	Minimum	Record
Rowland Ward	7 -1/2"	10 -1/2" shot in 1996
0

Identification
	The Caracal is a powerfully built cat with hindquarters slightly higher than the shoulders, and a short, uniformly coloured tail. It has large paws. The general fur colour varies from pale reddish-fawn to brick red. The underparts are paler with faint blotching. Black and white patches, notably around the eyes and mouth, mark the face. The long pointed ears, with tufts of black hair at the tips, are diagnostic. The back of the ears is black with liberal sprinkling of white hairs. The male is usually more heavily built than the female.
Habitat
	This cat is very versatile and occupies most habitats. It is absent in forests and deserts. Sufficient shelter is of the utmost importance. The caracal prefers open areas, especially around vleis and pans, as well as open woodland or grass plains. It is independent of water.
Habits
	Although mainly nocturnal, in undisturbed areas it may also be seen in the early morning and the late afternoons. The Caracal is solitary and males are probably territorial and only meets to mate. Although a good tree climber, it lives and hunts mostly on the ground. It has the ability to hide itself with very little shelter available.
Food
	The Caracal is mainly a hunter of small to medium sized animals like Duiker, Steenbok, Grysbok, Bushbuck ewes, Damara Dik Dik, young Impala, Springbok, lambs of sheep, Dassies, Squirrels, Cape Hare, young Monkeys, Springhare, Mongooses, moles, mice, Guinea-fowls and other ground-living birds.
Vocalisation
	Caracal purrs and the young ones chirp like a bird.
Breeding
	2 to 4 (occasionally 5) young are born between October and March after a gestation period of ± 2 months. The female has 5 pairs of breast and abdominal mammae.