Description
The Caracal is 65 cm in length, plus 30 cm tail. It has longer legs and a slimmer appearance than a lynx. The colour of the fur is variable: it may be wine-red, grey or sand-coloured. Young Caracals bear reddish spots on the underside; adults do not have markings except for black spots above the eyes. The most conspicuous feature of the Caracal is elongated, tufted black ears, which also explain the origin of its name – karakulak, Turkish for "black ear". It is a solitary, or paired, territorial cat.
The Caracal may survive without drinking for a long period - the water demand is satisfied with the body fluids of its prey. It weighs about 13-18 kg.
Hunting at night (but in colder seasons also in the daytime) for rodents and hares; rarely it may even attack a gazelle or small antelope. Its life expectancy in the wild is 12 years.
Range & Habitat
The caracal is widely distributed through the region. It is typically associated with either well-vegetated or rocky areas but also occurs in dry steppes and semi-deserts, absent only from true desert. It is often found near water points, but is apparently capable of satisfying its moisture requirements from its prey.
Breeding
Breeding is reported to occur primarily in mid-winter (Jan). Females copulate with several males in a 'pecking order' which is related to the age and size of the male. Gestation period is 78-81 days, 1-4 kittens per litter.