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Caracal
Scientific Name:
Felis caracal
Habitat:
Woodlands, savanna and scrub forest
Range:
North Africa, Central and Southwest Asia
Average Size:
Length: 24 to 26 inches
Weight: Males, 26 to 44 pounds; females, 18 to 29 pounds
Tail: 10 to 13 inches long
Description:
The caracal is about three feet long with a white chin, throat and belly, and reddish-brown fur covering the rest of its body. Dark spots mark both sides of its muzzle, with short vertical lines
stretching above the eyes. The caracal’s ears are set fairly close together; they are large and pointed, with long, erect tufts of hair on the tips. The backs of the ears are entirely black, but often have sparse, white hairs.
Animal:
The exhibit is home to Peggy, a juvenile caracal. She was born at a feline conservation center in Mena, Ark., in October 2008. She is the first caracal to live at the Oregon Zoo. While most caracals are reddish brown in color, Peggy is fawn-colored with huge green eyes.
Life Span:
In the wild, caracals live for about 12 years. In captivity, they may live up to 17 years.
Diet:
Caracals are strict carnivores, hunting rodents, birds and small deer.
Status in the Wild:
The caracal is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. CITES is an international treaty controlling the trade of threatened and endangered plants and animals.
The caracal is also listed by the World Conservation Union in the category of "least concern."
Behavior:
Caracals are nocturnal and solitary by nature. They hunt at night and will eat almost anything they can catch. They have even been known to attack sitting ostriches! These small, agile cats are
known for their amazing jumping abilities, sometimes leaping as high as 10 feet off the ground. Caracals keep their claws sharp to help them capture their prey.
Reproduction:
After a gestation period of about 69 to 78 days, the female gives birth to a litter of two to six kittens, which are weaned at about 10 weeks. Caracals are sexually mature at 18 to 24 months.
Amazing facts:
Each of the caracal's ears is controlled by about 20 muscles, helping this hunter better determine where prey is hiding! The long tufts of fur at the tip of each ear offer an added advantage in pinpointing prey.
How You Can Help:
You can help the caracal and other species by joining the volunteer team at the Oregon Zoo and getting involved with other conservation groups. Many organizations focus on conservation in Africa, including the African Wildlife Foundation, Tusk Trust, Conserve Africa International, the World Wildlife Fund, the Wildlife Awareness Foundation and the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Please do not buy products made from wild animal parts.
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