Caracal

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Caracal are a genus of wild cats native to Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.

Two Caracal species are recognized.

The African Golden Cat (Caracal aurata) lives in the forested areas of Central Africa around the equator. They are a little studied species and while population estimates are unreliable, the IUCN suggests that habitat loss indicates a declining population.

The wider ranging Caracal (Caracal caracal) inhabits a variety of habitats from grasslands to woodlands. The African populations are generally considered more stable than their eastern counterparts.

Slightly similar in appearance to lynx, they are stocky, medium sized cats with brown to red fur and tufted ears.

© 2010 Patricia A. Michaels.