Caracal

Scientific name: Caracal caracal

IUCN listed as: Least Concern

Learn before you visit!

Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.

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Everyday

Diet

Caracals have a diverse diet, consisting primarily of small to medium-sized mammals such as rodents, hares, and birds. They are skilled hunters, able to catch birds in mid-flight by leaping into the air. Additionally, they may prey on larger animals like antelopes and sometimes even domestic livestock. Their adaptable diet, which also includes insects, reptiles, and occasionally carrion, enables them to thrive in a variety of habitats.

Caracals like to eat small animals like rodents, rabbits, and birds. They are really good hunters and can even catch birds while they’re flying! Sometimes they might go after bigger animals like antelopes or even farm animals if they can find them. They’re like nature’s little athletes, always staying active and exploring their surroundings!

Breeding

During the breeding season, male caracals become more active and engage in courtship behaviours to attract females. Once a male and female pair up, they may spend time together and mate multiple times. After mating, the female caracal will have a gestation period of about two to three months. When it’s time to give birth, she’ll find a safe spot to have her babies, called kittens, usually in a secluded den.

When it’s time for caracals to have babies, the boys try really hard to impress the girls with their cool moves. If a boy and girl like each other, they hang out together and have babies after a few months. The mummy caracal finds a cosy spot to have her babies, called kittens, in a hidden den. She takes care of them until they’re big enough to explore the world on their own!

Habitat

Caracals live in a variety of habitats across Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula. They prefer areas with plenty of cover, like savannas, scrublands, and woodlands. These cats are very adaptable and can also be found in semi-desert areas and mountainous regions. They choose habitats where prey is abundant and where they can hide and hunt successfully.

Caracals live in different places in Africa, Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula, like grasslands and forests. They like spots where they can hide and find food easily. Sometimes they live in places with lots of bushes or even mountains. They’re smart and can live in lots of different places as long as they can find enough to eat!

At the zoo

We have bred the once (a single kitten) in 2013 and the kitten has gone to the Wildlife Heritage Foundation in Kent. They are amazingly adept at catching wild birds (unintentionally from our design) and have to have a thorough worming routine to combat this problem! At the moment we just have an adult male who is waiting to be paired.

In 2013, we had a baby caracal, but now it’s living happily in the Wildlife Heritage Foundation in Kent. Caracals are super good at catching birds (though sometimes it’s by accident!), so we have to make sure they get worm medicine

Behaviour

Caracals are solitary animals, meaning they usually prefer to be alone, except during mating season. They are skilled hunters, using their sharp claws and keen eyesight to catch prey like birds and small mammals. These cats are also excellent climbers and can jump high to catch birds in mid-air. When they’re not hunting, caracals spend much of their time resting and grooming themselves to stay clean and healthy.

Caracals like to be by themselves most of the time, but they’re really good at hunting. They use their sharp claws and keen eyesight to catch birds and small animals for food. These cats are also great at climbing and can jump really high to catch birds in the air! When they’re not hunting, they like to relax and clean themselves to stay healthy.

Fun facts

  • High Jumpers: Caracals can leap up to 10 feet to catch birds in mid-air.
  • Big-Eared Listeners: Their tufted ears help them hear prey from afar.
  • Stealthy Predators: Caracals use camouflage to surprise their prey before pouncing.
  • Agile Climbers: They’re skilled at climbing trees and rocks to escape or hunt.
  • Vocal Communicators: While quiet, they use purrs, growls, and hisses to talk with each other.
  • Super Jumpers: Caracals can leap up to 10 feet high to snatch birds from the sky.
  • Big-Ear Detectives: Those cute tufted ears help them hear prey sneaking around.
  • Sneaky Hunters: They blend into their surroundings before pouncing on unsuspecting prey.
  • Tree Climbers: Caracals are like ninja climbers, scaling trees and rocks with ease.
  • Quiet Talkers: They may not meow, but they have their own language of purrs and growls.

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