Caracal
Name: CaracalScientific Name: Caracal caracal
Basic Information:
These cats can be found throughout Africa and western Asia, mainly in dry steppe areas. Male Caracals usually weigh between 13-18 kg and from head to tail measure 95 cm. The average lifespan for a Caracal is 12 - 17 years. Its long legs and light weight make it one of the fastest small cats. These cats can blend in well with the surrounding terrain of the steppe due to their sand or light brown color. Caracals are primarily solitary creatures and can sometimes be seen in pairs. Hunting takes place in the dark of night where the cat's stealthy movements and quick speed allow it to catch a wide variety of animals, including: small antelope, gazelle, rodents, and also birds. These nimble creatures climbing ability allow them to scale trees with surprising ease. Caracals are also very easily tamed and are used as hunting cats in some countries.
Habitat Information:
Prairie and Steppe - Generally distinguished by the type of plants covering the ground, prairie habitats have taller grasses while steppe habitats have shorter grass. Both habitats have a wide variety of plants and animals, as well as insects, to be seen at Windaroo Zoo.
Caracal at Windaroo:
These animals are found at the Caracal habitat near the small cat habitats at Windaroo. Since they are solitary animals they are given their own enclosure, unless they are mating.
Related Animals:
Bee
Dhole
Prairie Dog
A-Z Animal List