Caracal

Once believed to be closely related to the lynx…

…it actually belongs to the same lineage as the serval and the African golden cat

The caracal is a slender yet powerful wild cat, easily recognised by its plain coat, which ranges from pale sandy to reddish-brown, contrasting with its white throat and underparts. Its relatively short tail may display subtle markings, while a distinctive black line runs from each eye to the nose. Its long hind legs contribute to its athletic appearance.

Its most striking feature is its large black ears, topped with impressive tufts of hair measuring around 5 cm. Although it was once considered closely related to the lynx because of these ear tufts, more recent phylogenetic studies have shown that the caracal is actually more closely related to the serval and the African golden cat within the cat family (Felidae). Its name comes from the Turkish word karakulak, meaning “black ears”, in reference to the dark colouring on the back of its ears.

Widespread but facing many threats

Although classified as “Least Concern” thanks to its wide distribution and remarkable adaptability, the caracal faces numerous threats. Population trends vary greatly from one country to another, ranging from common to endangered, and in some regions they remain poorly documented.

Habitat loss and declining prey populations caused by human expansion are among the main drivers of decline. Often regarded as a predator of livestock and poultry, the caracal is frequently shot, trapped or poisoned. Yet it also plays an important ecological role by helping control rodents and birds that damage crops.

Caracals are also threatened by road traffic and competition from free-roaming dogs. Once trained for hunting in India, they are now increasingly targeted by the illegal exotic pet trade, alongside the serval.