Caracals what do they eat

The characteristic short stubby tail steadies them during these acrobatic leaps. Large paws house heavily built, protractible claws that make no sound as the caracal moves.

The dew claws are nifty devices too. Higher up the wrist and not imprinting in the spoor, these are used as securing apparatus especially useful for climbing trees, when pulling down prey or even for use on an opponent when posturing proves inadequate.

Caracal respond to danger by making a speedy dash into hiding without a backward glance. They also use their climbing and leaping ability very successfully when pursuing a favourite rock-dwelling food source, dassies. Caracals are mainly active at twilight, but will hunt at night, in hot weather, and during the day in winter. Although currently not threatened, their populations are decreasing.

Poultry farmers are not fond of caracals. Caracals' skill at jumping and climbing enables them to exploit poultry as a staple food despite the fences farmers have erected. In Iran and India, caracals have been tamed and used to help hunters. Skip to main content. Entry passes are required for all guests, including infants. All visitors ages 2 and older are required to wear a mask in all indoor spaces at the Zoo, regardless of their vaccination status.

Fully vaccinated visitors do not need to wear a mask in outdoor areas. Caracal lynx. Animals Animals A-Z Caracal lynx. Share this page:. With ruddy coats and tufted ears, caracals are incredibly striking animals. They are also the heaviest of the small African cats.

These agile hunters range along the African continent, up into the Arabian Peninsula through northwest India. Fact sheet Conservation Physical Description Caracals are very striking cats. Size From head to tail, the caracal measures inches centimeters including their tail. The average number of flying birds a caracal could catch was in one sporting event. The caracal prefers to live in the woodland and drier savannah regions of sub-Saharan Africa.

It can also be found in arid mountain evergreen forests. The caracal does not, however, inhabit any tropical rain forests. Caracals are carnivores, meaning they eat meat, so their common prey includes a variety of mammals. Antelope , hyraxes, hares, and rodents are the most common animals these cats prey upon, but they will not hesitate to attack larger prey, such as young kudu , or springbok — both of which are types of antelope — if available.

The caracal is a threat to neighboring farms, so they are often killed by humans in order to protect their livestock. In other regions of the world, this small wildcat is hunted by the local bush tribes for its meat and tough skins. At one time, the caracal was trained to be used as a source of entertainment, sporting games, and hunting by India and Persian royalty. Today, however, the caracal is not a commonly domesticated pet.

The caracal is a wildcat that is not readily domesticated, due to its solitary nature and territory aggression. State laws and public safety are a concern to those who do own this cat, but ownership is not completely unheard of. Professional zoo keepers and circus entertainers are the most common people to own these cats, as a great deal of knowledge is needed in order for these cats to thrive in a false habitat.

In captivity, such as zoos or wildlife preserves, the caracal is given an environment that mimics its natural habitat.