Caracals
BEHAVIOR
Caracals (scientific name: Caracal caracal) are solitary cats, living most of their lives alone. Female caracals will take care of their kittens until they are around a year old and then the kittens leave to find their own territories. In Africa, Caracals are known as “Little Lions” for their fierce attitudes and aggressive nature.
COLOR PATTERN
- Reddish-brown, tawny (orange-brown) colored fur
- Black ears with long tufts of hair at the tips, thought to be used for communication with young or other caracals
- White bellies
WHERE WE LIVECaracals live in Africa and the Middle East in a variety of habitats including woodlands, savannas, and semi-deserts. They live in mostly arid (dry) habitats with some rainfall and cover. A caracal will typically remain in its territory its entire life. Female caracals have smaller habitats than males.
WEIGHT
Caracal 9-42 pounds
House Cat 12 pounds
LENGTH
Caracal 23-36 inches long
A Man’s Stride 36 inches long
Bonus
Caracal A caracal can jump 10 feet up in the air
Basketball Hoop 10 feet tall
WHAT WE EAT
OBLIGATE CARNIVORE
- Birds
- Snakes
- Sheep
- Small Antelopes
Caracals are excellent bird catchers and can swat one out of the air as it flies by.
THREATS
- Habitat Loss
Caracals are losing a lot of their habitat to farming and urbanization. - Retaliatory Killings
Farmers hunt caracals when the caracals take their livestock. - Considered: Least Concern
Did you know…
Caracal kittens make their first kill at
3
Months old!
Did you know…
CARACALS CAN TAKE DOWN PREY
3X
THEIR SIZE!
Did you know…
Caracals can
jump
jump
10
feet in the air!
