caracal

Also known as desert lynx, Caracal caracal, Lynx caracal, Persian lynx

The caracal (Caracal caracal; ) is a wild cat native to Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and arid areas of Pakistan and northwestern India. It is characterised by a robust build, long legs, a short face, long tufted ears, relatively short tail, and long canine teeth. Its coat is uniformly reddish tan or sandy, while the ventral parts are lighter with small reddish markings. It reaches at the shoulder and weighs . It was first scientifically described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1776. Three subspecies are recognised.

AI overview

The caracal is a wild cat found across Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia, recognizable by its robust build, long legs, tufted ears, and reddish-tan coat. Though relatively little-known compared to other big cats, it represents an important part of its native ecosystems and has been studied by scientists since its formal description in the 18th century.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Species

Least Concern

Maximum longevity: 20.3 years (captivity) Observations: One wild born female was about 20.3 years old when she died in captivity (Richard Weigl 2005).

via IUCN

Wikidata facts

Image: Lightmatter caracal.jpg

Show 7 more facts

taxon name: Caracal caracal
Commons category: Caracal caracal
Commons gallery: Caracal caracal
gestation period: 70
taxon common name: caracal
longest observed lifespan: 20.3
short name: C. caracal

Sources (3)

via Wikidata · CC0

~17 min read

Article

15 sections

Contents

Etymology
Taxonomy and phylogeny
Phylogeny
Characteristics
Distribution and habitat
Ecology and behaviour
Diet and hunting
Reproduction
Threats
Conservation
In culture
See also
Notes
References
External links

Typically nocturnal, the caracal is highly secretive and difficult to observe. It is territorial, and lives mainly alone or in pairs. The caracal is a carnivore that typically preys upon birds, rodents, and other small mammals. It can leap higher than and catch birds in midair. It stalks its prey until it is within of it, after which it runs it down and kills it with a bite to the throat or to the back of the neck. Both sexes become sexually mature by the time they are one year old and breed throughout the year. Gestation lasts between two and three months, resulting in a litter of one to six kittens. Juveniles leave their mothers at the age of nine to ten months, though a few females stay back with their mothers. The average lifespan of captive caracals is nearly 16 years.