Caracal
A species of Caracals, Also known as Persian lynx, Red cat, Caracal cat, Asian caracal Scientific name : Caracal caracal Genus : Caracals
Caracal, A species of Caracals
Also known as:
Persian lynx, Red cat, Caracal cat, Asian caracal
Scientific name: Caracal caracal
Genus: Caracals
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Blackseablue , used under CC-BY-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The caracal was originally classified as a relative of the lynx. However, early investigations indicated that it is closer to the genus Felis, which also includes the wildcat. Current studies of the DNA sequence show that it is most closely related to the African golden cat (C. aurata, syn .: Profelis aurata).
General Info
Lifespan
12-16 years
Diet
Caracal primarily subsists on a carnivorous diet that heavily favors small mammals and rodents. It exhibits a certain fondness for hares and rodents, though birds and reptiles are occasionally hunted when the opportunity presents itself.
Appearance
Caracal is a medium-sized felid, boasting a sleek, muscular body covered in short, dense fur that ranges in color from tawny to black. Its distinctive features include long, tufted, inky-black ears, and striking facial markings. Its fur color is mostly uniform, but the belly is softer and white. Male caracals are slightly larger than females, there are no major visual differences apart from size.
Behavior
Caracal displays solitary, nocturnal behavior, specializing in hunting small mammals and birds. Renowned for its agility, it can leap high and catch birds mid-flight. Highly territorial, it marks its range with urine, feces, and scratches. Lacking strong social dynamics, breeding pairs only stay together for a short period.
Photo By Blackseablue , used under CC-BY-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original