A Small Caracal Walks In The Reserve Royalty-Free Stock Photography

Known as the rooikat or red cat in Afrikaans, the caracal is found in the savannah and dry woodland areas of sub-Saharan Africa. They are also resident in areas of the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. Their name is derived from a Turkish word meaning `black ear`, and indeed, long black ear tufts are one of this species` defining features. The caracal has a short tawny red coat, and is the most robust of Africa`s small cats with a maximum weight of 40 pounds/ 18 kilograms. They are incredible predators, capable of climbing trees and leaping more than 10 feet/ 3 metres into the air to catch birds in mid-flight. Caracals are difficult to spot, being both nocturnal and naturally secretive.