The caracal is a medium-sized wild cat known for its striking appearance and agility. This powerful predator is found across a wide range, from Africa through the Middle East and into Central Asia. Its common name comes from the Turkish word karakulak, which translates to “black ear,” referencing the cat’s most recognizable physical trait.
Core Dimensions and Weight
The caracal is among the largest of the African “small cats,” giving it a robust and imposing presence. At the shoulder, this feline typically stands between 40 and 50 centimeters (16 to 20 inches) high. This height, combined with its long limbs, makes it appear considerably taller and more substantial than a domestic cat.
The head-to-body length of an adult caracal ranges from 62 to 108 centimeters (24 to 43 inches). The tail is relatively short, measuring between 18 and 34 centimeters (7 to 13.4 inches), which is roughly one-third of the total body length.
The caracal generally weighs between 7 and 20 kilograms (15 to 45 pounds). Male caracals consistently occupy the upper end of this spectrum, while females are typically lighter. Even the smallest adult caracal is notably larger and more muscular than the average house cat.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics
The caracal’s most defining feature is its elongated, black ear tufts, which can grow up to 5 centimeters (nearly 2 inches) long. These prominent tufts, along with triangular black markings on the back of the ears, create its characteristic silhouette. The ears are highly mobile, equipped with about 20 muscles that allow for precise adjustments to detect subtle sounds.
The coat is short, dense, and uniformly colored, typically presenting as a tawny-brown, sandy, or brick-red hue. Unlike many other wild cat species, the caracal largely lacks the spots or blotches characteristic of felines like the leopard or many lynx species. Its underparts are a lighter, sometimes white, color, providing a subtle contrast to the darker dorsal fur.
Prominent black facial markings frame the muzzle, including distinctive black lines that run from the inner corner of the eye toward the nose. The body is supported by long, well-muscled legs, with the hind legs being disproportionately long and powerful. This robust musculature and leg length enable the caracal’s extraordinary leaping ability, allowing it to catch birds in mid-air.
Factors Influencing Caracal Size
Variation in caracal size is largely explained by two main factors: sexual dimorphism and geographical location. Males are consistently larger and heavier than females across all measured parameters. This difference necessitates the use of a wide size range when describing the species as a whole.
For instance, studies in South Africa show that male caracals average around 12.9 kilograms, while females in the same region average closer to 10 kilograms. This size disparity is believed to be linked to the male’s need to maintain a larger territory and compete for mates.
Caracals inhabiting the arid regions of Asia tend to be noticeably smaller than those found in the resource-rich environments of sub-Saharan Africa. For example, the average weight of male caracals in Israel is reported to be about 9.8 kilograms, significantly less than the South African average. This geographical size gradient is likely related to the availability of prey, with cats in less productive habitats requiring smaller body sizes.