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 LIVE

Caracals 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
10
feet in the air!

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

Tiger at Carolina Tiger Rescue

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.