Caracal

wild cats · Africa · skilled hunter · acrobatic

Tufted ear expert. The caracal has distinctive long, pointed ears with black tufts on top that help it hear prey moving in tall grass and rocky terrain. These fancy ear tufts also help it communicate with other caracals.

Built for speed. With long, powerful legs and a muscular body, caracals are incredible jumpers and runners. They can leap high into the air to snatch birds right out of flight.

Desert survivor. Caracals live in the hot, dry areas of Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of India and Pakistan. They're perfectly adapted to arid places where other big cats couldn't survive.

Medium-sized hunter. A caracal weighs between 18 to 42 pounds and stands about 16 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder, making it bigger than a house cat but smaller than a lion. Its sandy, reddish-tan coat helps it blend into rocky landscapes.

Sharp teeth ready. Caracals have long canine teeth perfect for grabbing and holding onto prey like small mammals, birds, and reptiles. These teeth are one of their most impressive hunting features.