Caracal
Caracal caracal
Caracal is a carnivorous wild cat of African savannas, deserts, and forest edges.
| Scientific name | Caracal caracal |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Karakal |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Felidae |
| Size | Male: 13-18 kg; Female: 8-12 kg |
How to identify
Distinctive long black ear tufts at the ear tips; medium-sized body with uniform reddish-brown fur; face with white spots and black stripes; short tail with black tip; long limbs adapted for jumping
Habitat
Open savannas with scattered trees, shrublands, semi-desert areas, and open forest edges
Diet
Carnivorous, primarily preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles
When it is active
Nocturnal, most active at dusk and dawn
Where it lives
Most of the African continent, Middle East, and parts of India; found in Kenya and the Maasai Mara National Reserve
How to spot it
Observe at dusk and dawn near open shrub edges or water sources, paying attention to ear tuft characteristics for identification
Photography tips
Use a telephoto lens to capture ear tuft details, photograph nocturnal activity in low light, remain quiet to avoid disturbance
Threats
Habitat loss, hunting, and human-wildlife conflict
Similar species
Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) distinguished by shorter ear tufts and larger size; African leopard cat is smaller with distinct spotted fur
