Caracals belong to the feline family. Another name for the animal is considered to be “steppe lynx”. The wildcat is of medium size and has long been a bobcat. Nowadays, a predator can be found in Africa, Asia, Kazakhstan and central India. Animals prefer to live in thickets, woodlands, rocky slopes and plains. The most favorable regions are meadow crossings. You can find the steppe lynx at an altitude of over 3000 meters.
Description of predators
Caracals differ from lynx in slightly smaller size and more slender, monochromatic coat. Adults grow up to 82 cm in length, while the tail reaches 30 cm. The mass of animals varies from 11 to 19 kg. A characteristic feature of caracals is the presence of a tassel on the tips of the ears, the length of which is about 5 cm.
The unique structure of the paws and the presence of coarse hair on the pads of the brush allows the animals to easily move along the sand. Caracals have a thick but short fur similar to that of a North American cougar (brownish red above, whitish below and black markings on the side of the muzzle). The outer ears and tassels are also dark in color. The shade of the fur of the steppe lynx directly depends on its habitat and the method of hunting.
Despite their harmless and even cute appearance, caracals are strong and dangerous opponents. They have sharp fangs, with the help of which they pierce the victim’s throat, while powerful jaws allow them to hold on to prey. In addition to its deadly teeth, the animal has claws that resemble blades. With their help, the caracal cuts the prey, deftly separating the meat from the sinews.
Features of behavior
Caracals are able to do without drinking water for a long time. The animals are nocturnal, but they can also start hunting in the cool morning hours. The steppe lynx gait resembles cheetahs, but they are not sprinters. Predators can easily climb trees and are renowned for being excellent jumpers. An adult can jump up to a height of three meters. Thanks to this feature, a caracal can knock a bird off a tree.
Steppe lynxes can walk up to 20 km per night. Predators rest in holes, dense bushes, crevices and trees.
Nutrition
Caracals are carnivores. They feed on rodents, antelopes, hares, birds, small monkeys. Pigeons and partridges are seasonal treats for predators. Steppe lynxes can also hunt Dorcas gazelles, African great bustards, gerenuks, mountain redunks.
The diet of the animal may include reptiles, pets. Caracals deftly kill prey, which is several times larger than themselves. Animals bite large victims on the throat, small ones on the back of the head.
Reproduction
The female signals to the male that she is ready to mate with the help of special chemical elements that appear in the urine. Smelling them, the male begins to pursue the chosen one. You can also attract a partner with vocalization, which is similar to a cough. Several males can take care of one female at once. Because of the competition, males can get involved in the fight. The female can independently choose a partner for herself, and females prefer older and wiser males.
After pairing is determined, the partners live together for about four days and mate constantly. Sexual intercourse lasts no more than five minutes. After conception, the gestation period begins, which can range from 68 days to 81. There are 1-6 kittens in a litter. Males can kill newborn babies, because they are weaned from offspring.
It is mothers who raise their young and put a lot of time and energy into this process. After birth, the babies are in a shelter for about a month (an abandoned hole, cave or hole in a tree can be chosen as a den). A month later, in addition to breast milk, the kittens begin to eat meat.
