 Caracal or
Rooikat (Caracal caracal )
Description. The sleek, slender
caracal is a striking beast. Its short reddish-brown pelage on the back
and flanks is contrasted by the white fur on the chin, throat and
ventrum. Most notably, the caracal's ears, which are long and slender,
are topped by long tufts of black fur.
Size. From head to tail, the
caracal measures 830-1225mm, with the tail accounting for 230-310 mm of
this length.
Habitat. In
Southern Africa, this species is commonly found in upland areas.
Caracals typically use abandoned porcupine burrows and rock crevices
for maternal dens but can be found with their young in dense vegetation.
Behavior. Caracals are nocturnal
animals. Although mainly terrestrial, they are excellent jumpers and
climbers. They are the fastest felids of their size. The social system
of the caracal is not well understood. They are primarily solitarily or
live as mated pairs. Individuals appear to defend territories which
they mark with urine.
Diet. Caracals are strictly
carnivorous. They prey primarily on birds, rodents, and small
antelopes. Like most felids, caracals stalk their prey before pouncing
upon it. In areas of human settlement, the Rooikat sometimes eats
poultry. Caracals may store the remains of their prey in the forks of
trees or in dense bushes, later returning for further feeding.
Predators. None but humans.
Reproduction.
Caracals appear capable of breeding year round. After a gestation of
69-78 days, a female gives birth to 1-6 cubs, with an average litter
size of 3. Young are nursed for 10-25 weeks.
On
Wildcliff.
Known
from tracks and attacks to roam the Langeberg mountain range of which
Wildcliff is a part, but no confirmed sightings.
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