Caracal (Caracal caracal)

Overview
The Caracal is a strikingly beautiful wild cat, known for its rufous-fawn coat, tufted black ears, creamy underbelly with faded orange spots, and graceful, long legs. With exquisite facial markings and powerful movements, it is often considered one of the most elegant cats in the world.

Physical Characteristics
Size: Medium-sized with long legs and a sleek body

Colour: Rufous-fawn with a creamy underbelly, and faint orange spots

Distinctive Features: Tufted black ears, exquisite facial markings, and a muscular build

Behaviour and Hunting
Nocturnal: Primarily hunts at night, though it is also active during twilight hours, especially when hunting birds.

Prey: The Caracal is strong and fast, hunting smaller animals like jerboas, sand rats, ground squirrels, and rock hyrax. It can also take down larger prey like reedbuck and duiker.

Unique Hunting Ability: Known for its remarkable agility, the Caracal can leap 4-5 meters into the air to catch flying birds.

Reproduction
Breeding: The Caracal has no set breeding period and can mate with multiple males. Litter sizes vary from 1-6 kittens, born after approximately 78 days of gestation.

Kittens: Kittens gain about 21g per day and reach maturity at 16-18 months, though they may become independent by 12 months.

Habitat
The Caracal inhabits dry savannahs, woodlands, scrublands, and rugged terrains in mountainous regions. It can thrive in areas as high as 3000 meters and can survive without water, relying on the moisture from its prey.