Caracal, which is also called steppe or desert lynx, in fact, no relation to the genus of lynx has not, though, before the predator erroneously attributed to him because of similar appearance.
Spread the cat for the most part, Africa except the Sahara, and Central and South-West Asia. In North Africa the species has almost completely disappeared, while in Namibia and southern parts of the African continent caracals so much that they are destroyed by the locals as pests. The Asian area is much less densely populated.
Earlier the distribution area caracals coincided with the habitat of cheetahs, at present, they coexist in the same area with other species of cat – the Serval.The Caracal lives in many different habitats. It can be woods, bushes, and plains, and rocky terrain (climb to a height of 3000 meters above sea level). Also a favorite habitat is the edges of forests, gradually turning into a plain. Compared to the servals, dry conditions caracals tolerate much better, but are rare in deserts and dense tropical forests. The Asian population is more tolerant of woodland.
Coat color lynx steppe is very variable in different parts of the area, varying from brown to almost red. Lower body light, and, like African Golden cat, decorated with many small spots. On the face there are black marks under the eyes and over them. A unique distinguishing feature of the Caracal are large ears, long finish with black tassels (impossible not to notice them in the photo). Young specimens of the brush is markedly shorter than in adults.
Also not to mention extraordinarily developed hind legs of a cat, with which she can jump up to 4.5 meters in length. The female is considerably smaller in size than the male both in weight and in length. Total body length ranges from 62 to 90 cm, excluding the tail, see in 18-34 Females weigh up to 13 kg, males up to 20 kg, which exceeds the size of even the biggest of domestic cats.
Caracals live alone except for breeding season. Each individual is fiercely defending its territory, an area which can be from 4 to 60 km for the inhabitants of the African continent, and from 200 to 300 km for the Asian representatives of the species. The territories of males can partly overlap, while females will never tolerate the presence of other dogs on his land.
Predator is largely nocturnal, although occasionally you can find him awake during the day. Like other cats, the Caracal is very well developed hearing, although not like the Serval, and vision. Finding their prey through hearing, then go to sight for accurate "guidance" and the catch.
The diet of caracals there is only food of animal origin. This is mainly hyraxes, hares, rodents, antelopes(gerenuk, mountain Gazelle, Gazelle Dorcas), as well as small monkeys, birds (bustards and other species) and in rare cases reptiles. Unlike other members of the family, this cat can kill prey that exceeds it in size in 2-3 times, and stand up for her you can. Look at the video, as the two jackals are forced to leave a tasty prey in favor of the Caracal:
The methods of hunting, as a rule, two minor victims killed by the bite, larger ubeyda. Of course, this is preceded by a chase, which is usually quite short escape from the predator is rarely. By the way, thanks to the powerful rear legs and agility, the Caracal manages to catch even the soaring birds, as shown in the video below (jump he certainly dizzying), and manages to capture several pieces in one attack.
