Jaguars are the largest cat in the “America’s”. They are a “Big Cat” because they can roar, have round pupils, and their front legs are more muscular and stronger than their back legs. Jaguars are an apex predator, meaning there is nothing in their habitat that preys on them, they are also keystone species in that they help keep prey populations at a balanced level.

Lifespan

The average lifespan for a caracal in the wild is 10 to 12 years. In captivity, they can live 15 to 18 years.

Shape & Size

Caracals are 23.5 to 36 inches long and can weigh between 9 and 42 pounds.  Male Caracals are typically larger than females.  They have shorter tails compared to most cats that average between 9 and 12 inches long.  Caracals have longer and more muscular hind legs than front legs which allows them to jump up to 10 feet vertically.

Color Pattern

Caracals are usually tawny and reddish in color; however, a few melanistic (all black) caracals have been spotted in the wild.  Caracals have black tufted ears and white spotted stomachs.

Behavior

Caracals are solitary cats that only come together during mating.  Mothers care for their young up to a year, then the kittens leave in search of their own territories.  In Africa, caracals are known as “Little Lions” for their fierce attitudes and aggressive nature.  Caracals are nocturnal hunters that prey mostly on small mammals, but they are capable of taking down prey as large as an impala and antelope.

Habitat

Caracals live in Africa and over into India in a variety of habitats including woodlands, savannas, and semi-deserts.  They live mostly in arid habitats with some rainfall and cover.  Caracals primarily live and hunt on the ground but have been known to climb trees to escape danger and have been spotted fishing in streams and rivers.  A caracal will typically remain in its territory for its entire life.  Female caracals have smaller habitats than the males.

Principal Threats

Caracals are often killed by farmers because they are a nuisance and will kill livestock.  They are also killed for their fur and meat.  Habitat destruction and deforestation for farming also threaten caracals. 

Caracal caracal

Range Map

Range

Caracals are native to the majority of Africa, the Middle East, and even parts of India.

Food

Caracals eat a wide variety of mammals.  They primarily eat small mammals, including mice, rats, hares, and hyraxes, but have been known to take down prey much larger than themselves.  Caracals are capable of taking down prey as large as an antelope and impala.  They also have been witnessed attacking an ostrich that is lying down.

Reproductive Habits

A caracal’s gestation period is approximately 2 to 2 1/2 months and they have between 1 and 4 kittens per litter.  Kittens are weaned from their mother around 10 weeks and begin to eat meat at this time.  Caracal kittens remain with their mothers up to a year before leaving to find their own territory.

Behavior

Caracals are primarily solitary, though pairs have been known to live together for a significant amount of time.  Caracals in the wild typically live between 10 and 12 years but in captivity can live 16 years or more.  Caracals have a wide range of sounds, including hissing, growling, barking, purring, and snarling.  Like other cats, caracals mark their territory with scent.  They have scent glands on their cheeks and will rub against trees and bushes to leave their scent.  They will also spray their odor on their territory.  Additionally, scratching trees not only sharpens their claws but also leaves their scent behind.

 

Conservation

Humans are caracals' primary threat.  They are often killed without restriction because they are seen as a problem animal.  Even though they are able to be hunted in much of their range, they continue to thrive.  Their stealthy nature prevents them from being seen by humans most of the time.

Fun Caracal Facts

  • Caracals can jump 10 feet up in the air to catch birds
  • Caracals will sometimes take down prey 3 times their size
  • Caracal comes from a Turkish word meaning "Black Eared"
  • Caracals are a keystone species because they help control the rodent population
  • In Africa, caracals are sometimes referred to as the "Desert Lynx" or "Little Lion"

About Carolina Tiger Rescue

Carolina Tiger Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit wildlife sanctuary whose mission is saving and protecting wild cats in captivity and in the wild.

Carolina Tiger Rescue

1940 Hanks Chapel Rd. Pittsboro, NC 27312 (919) 542-4684 (919) 542-4454 info@carolinatigerrescue.org

Wildlife should be in the Wild

Rescue

Education

  • We believe the ideal home for wildlife is in the wild.
  • We believe it is critical to conserve their native habitats.
  • We believe wild animals should not be kept as pets.
  • We believe captive breeding should ONLY be done in accordance with Species Survival plans.
  • We believe all wild animals, both captive and in their native habitats, deserve to be treated with respect and not exploited for entertainment and commercial purposes.

Visit Carolina Tiger Rescue

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Public Tours

Twilight Tours

Coming out for a tour is a great way to learn more about the animals that call Carolina Tiger Recue home. We offer many different types of tours.  Public tours are great for adults and families. Twilight tours are for adults only (18 years of age and older). Tiger Tales are a perfect option if you want to bring out really young children. Find the tour that is right for you and enjoy a walk through the sanctuary.

For all tours, tickets must be purchased in advance.

Have Fun Learning at Carolina Tiger Rescue

Field Trips

Field Trips

Virtual Field Trips link

Virtual Field Trips

Education is key to our mission.  We enjoy teaching "kids" of all ages!  Our field trips, both virtual and onsite, are ideal for groups of kids.  Our "Kid for a Day" Adult Camp provides a unique learning opportunity while allowing adults to channel their inner child.  While all of these opportunities are structured differently, in the end we want everyone to walk away knowing more about the animals we care for and what they can do to help protect them.

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Group Volunteering

There are so many ways to be a part of Carolina  Tiger Rescue.  Individual volunteers are able to help in many aspects of our work, including animal care, tour guides, construction, and gift shop assistance.  Work groups come from community groups, colleges, work places, and more!  It’s a great way to spend a day and it helps care for the cats.