Caracal

Caracal is a Turkish word meaning "black-eared". It captures its prey by stalking, then making a quick dash and leap to catch it. The caracal is well known for catching low flying birds.

No one is sure of the purpose of the long tufts on a caracal's ears. Some think it helps the cat blend in with the grasses where it hunts. Others think the caracal uses them as lures to attract birds. The tufts grow longer as the cat gets older, so it may be a sign to a potential mate that this is a cat that has lived a long time and is a successful hunter.

HABITATDry savanna and scrub
DIET Rodents, antelope, monkeys, birds and gazelles
LIFE Expectancy18 years