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About the Caracal
The caracal is a medium-sized African wild cat recognised by its reddish-brown coat, black-tipped ears with long tufts and relatively short tail. It is highly adaptable and occurs in savanna, grassland, woodland, scrub and semi-arid habitats. Caracals are primarily nocturnal hunters and feed on rodents, birds, reptiles and small to medium-sized mammals. They are powerful and agile predators capable of making spectacular vertical leaps to catch birds in flight.
How to identify the Caracal
Medium-sized wild cat with a compact muscular body, long legs, short tail and distinctive black ear tufts. Coat ranges from sandy or reddish-brown to grey, often with faint spots or markings and a pale underside.
Did you know?
Caracals are exceptional jumpers and can leap vertically high enough to catch birds in flight, sometimes striking several birds during a single rapid leap.
Also known as: Rooikat
Parks where you can see the Caracal
Recent Caracal sightings
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