Caracals are solitary night hunters that live in dry country. They can leap up to 3 metres into the air to swat birds. They are rarely seen.
Small cats
Caracal
Caracal caracal
A tufted-eared cat that can leap high to catch birds in flight.
Size
8-19 kg
Lifespan
12 years
Diet
Rodents, hares and birds.
Habitat
Dry savannah, scrub and hills.
About the caracal
Did you know?
01
The ear tufts may help communication.
02
Caracals can take prey larger than themselves.
03
They are rarely seen on safari.
When to see it
Seen all year round; the best sightings depend on where you are.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Where to see it in Tanzania
Trips that go there
Where to meet the caracal
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