Scientific classification: The caracal belongs to the family Felidae. It is classified as Felis caracal.
Introduction
Caracals are also known as Persian lynx, cat native to the savannas and dry, rocky hills of Africa and Asia. The caracal is 60 to 92 cm (2 to 3 ft) in head and body length, with a tail length of 23 to 31 cm (9 to 12 in). It is 38 to 50 cm (15 to 20 in) high at the shoulder, and weighs 13 to 19 kg (29 to 42 lb). It has a reddish-brown coat, white belly, and tufts of black hair on the tips of its ears (the name caracal means “black ears” in Turkish). Caracals prey on rodents, birds, and small antelope. In India and Iran caracals are sometimes tamed and used for hunting because of their speed and agility. caracal kittens, they also go after nesting or roosting birds at the tops of trees and have been known to attack eagles. The caracal has been overhunted but is now a protected species.
Hunting and Diet
Caracals are often called hypercarnivores, meaning they eat meat protein to the near exclusion of other foods. Protein sources include meat from mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, but also insects and other invertebrates. Unlike dogs and bears, the molar teeth of Caracals are not designed to grind plant material. Nonetheless, lions and leopards reportedly eat melons and cucumbers to obtain water. Domestic cats eat grass, which may contain needed vitamins. The margay is said to eat fruit on occasion. caracal kittens Studies suggest caracals lack taste buds specialized for detecting sweetness. However, their taste receptors for amino acids are very complex, meaning they likely detect qualities in meat that humans cannot.
Caracals are superbly designed for hunting, and generally hunt alone. Most caracals hunt in dim light, but they may also hunt in the dark and in the daylight. Most commonly, caracals rely on stealth to approach intended prey, often using foliage or grass for cover, followed by a rush or leap from ambush caracal kittens. Other tactics used by lions and other large cats include causing panic in a herd of animals, then singling out a young individual or an adult that appears slower or weaker.
Reproduction
Members of the caracal family either males and females typically maintain their own home ranges in the wild. In some species, a number of females maintain separate territories within the larger territory of a single male. Before a female enters estrus and becomes fertile, she makes her desire to mate known with scent marks and calls. caracal kittens Males attracted to the female enter her territory but are not allowed to mate immediately, and typically have to wait a few days for the female to be ready. If more than one male arrives, the males may fight for mating rights. Courtship requires persistence from the male, who is usually met at first with resistance from the female. Playful, ritualized caracal kittens fighting often occurs between a male and a female, which helps stimulate the partners. Females may even bite or attack a male, but the male suitor does not retaliate.
Amongst the caracals, the receptive female lies with her belly flat on the ground and is mounted by the male. During mating, a male may bite the loose fur on the back of the female’s neck. Copulation is usually repeated many times, which appears to help stimulate the female to ovulate.
The gestation period after fertilization varies according to the size of the caracal, with about 100 days being average for the largest cats, 80 days for the medium-size ocelot, and 65 days for the domestic cat. The number of young born also varies, sometimes based on availability of food.