Caracal

Rooikat · Caracal caracal

A powerful, reddish-tan cat famous for the long black tufts on the tips of its pointed ears. The caracal is a muscular, secretive hunter that prefers drier bush, taking prey from small rodents to birds and young antelope. Its plain coat and short tail set it apart, while its athletic build makes it one of the most agile jumpers in the cat family.

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How to identify it

Plain rusty coat with no spots and dramatic black ear-tufts — unlike the spotted serval.

Look for its tracks

Round cat print, no claw marks, four toes; like a big wildcat or small leopard — neat and compact.

Where to see it in Kruger

Rare; prefers drier, open and rocky bush, and hunts mostly at night and twilight.

Did you know

It can swat several flying birds out of the air in a single spectacular leap.

Often confused with

African Wildcat

Serval

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