Caracal caracal caracal

(Schreber, 1776)

Vernacular names
English : Caracal
French : Caracal

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Family : Felidae
Notes : 8 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 100 cm in length with a 34 cm long tail and a weight of 20 kg. Slender cat species with long legs, round head. Long ears with long black ear-tufts. Coloration rufous-orange (darker for this subspecies), with light belly.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs in eastern and southern Africa. Species also found in north and central Africa, middle east, Arabian peninsula, east to northern India. Lives in dry and arid grasslands, scrublands, woodlands and mountain areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is fairly common in parts of its range but Asian populations are highly endangered. Often persecuted by farmers in South Africa.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America

Observation

 

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