What kind of animal is the caracal? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. This cat is distributed widely from the Arabian Peninsula to Africa, and many people keep it as a pet. It is an animal with very high physical abilities, so it can be said to be quite an excellent animal.
What is Caracal? Basic Stats
Caracal is a carnivorous animal classified in the Felidae family of the Carnivora order. Its English name is Caracal, and its scientific name is Caracal caracal. Its body length is 60-90cm, its weight is 8-20kg, and its tail length is 20-30cm. The list of information is as follows. You can see many photos and images on the Internet.
| Japanese（和名） | カラカル |
| English（英名） | Caracal |
| scientific name(学名) | Caracal caracal |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Carnivora、 Felidae、Caracal 哺乳綱、食肉目、ネコ科、カラカル属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 60～90cm |
| Weight（体重） | ８～20kg |
Habitat
Caracals are found in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, southern Turkey, the Arabian Peninsula, and also in the Sahara Desert and the Congo Basin.
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
Caracals are white from under their chin to their chest and abdomen, and the outside of their ears are black with black tufts at the tips. Their fur is short and yellowish gray or reddish brown, with black rings around their eyes and nose. Caracals can be widely seen in forests, savannas, and brush. They are mainly nocturnal animals, and often rest in bushes or on trees during the day.
What is their personality like?
Caracals are typical felines and mainly act alone. Therefore, like house cats, they are carefree and do things at their own pace. Caracals are aggressive and may attack livestock and poultry, so care must be taken when handling them.
What is their ecology?
Caracals are carnivorous, living off birds, small antelopes, rodents, hares, hyraxes, and reptiles. There is no set breeding season, and the gestation period is 68-81 days. They use burrows abandoned by other animals, and can give birth to 1-6 pups. They start eating solid food at 1 month old, and become independent at 9-10 months old. They have a lifespan of about 20 years.
Do they have any natural enemies?
Caracals’ predators include lions, leopards, and hyenas.
Is the caracal an endangered species?
The caracal is classified as least concern, and is not endangered. It is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction, but is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and international trade is restricted.
Can you keep a caracal as a pet?
Caracals have a tendency to attack livestock, so they are not really suitable for the general public. You can see a lot of them at the zoo. Enjoy watching them.
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