One of the coolest caracal facts is that they are known to have a vertical leap of over 10 feet!
The caracal is a medium sized wild cat found in arid regions of Africa, India and the Middle East. They average about 20 inches at the shoulder and range from 20 to 40 pounds, with males being quite a bit larger than females. The caracal is also known as the Persian lynx and the gazelle cat. The most distinctive caracal characteristics are the long tufts of black hair on the tips of the ears. The actual function of these tufts is not known, although some speculate they may keep insects or sunshine out of the eyes, or even be used to communicate with other caracals. Caracals are typically solid colored reddish tan with a lighter underbelly and white “eyeliner” that sets off their beautiful features. Black eyebrow markings complete the picture.
Just as there are solid black leopards and jaguars, caracals can also be found in solid black. Black caracals are very rare, and may occur side by side in the same litter as normally colored caracals. They are powerfully built, with long, sturdy legs that act like springs, allowing them to leap straight up and snatch Birds right out of the air. The hind legs are longer than the fronts, and the topline slopes slightly from the hips to the shoulders.. The tail is bobbed at about a 3/4 length, but is well-muscled and used as a rudder in the air. Along with birds, caracals eat an assortment of small animals, rodents, rabbits, reptiles and occasionally large insects. They have also been known to take down prey much larger than themselves, including small antelope and goats.
Credit : Animal Facts Encyclopedia
Picture Credit : Google
