Sunday fun Facts
This post is sponsored by SAASA and Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary
Fun Facts about Caracals
Caracal Latin name: Caracal caracal
DID YOU KNOW?
In South Africa, the Caracal is classified as a "problem animal", which permits landowners to kill the species without restriction.
It was a common practice among ancient Persians to tame Caracals and use them for hunting hare, wild fowl and gazelle.
In Iran the killing of small livestock has brought the Caracal into serious conflict with local people, who sometimes make efforts to eradicate it.
Caracals have never been recorded to be killed in road incidents.
The name "Caracal" loosely means "black ear".
The Caracal can jump almost 3 m high.
A distinctive Caracal characteristics is the long tufts of black hair on the tips of the ears
In Turkish the word Karakulak , meaning Black Ear is what gave them their distinctive look.
They are powerfully built, with long, sturdy legs that act like springs, allowing them to leap straight up and snatch Birds right out of the air.
The hind legs are longer than the fronts. The tail is bobbed at about a 3/4 length, but is well
muscled and used as a rudder in the air.
The Caracal is a solitary animal, active mostly at night. Their nocturnal tendency make them a rare sight, and their cunning and agility make them highly proficient hunters.
They mark their large territories with urine and claw marks, and though they may not run into each other, they keep track of, and know the scent of the other Caracals in the area.
Come back next week for more exciting fun facts from SAASA and Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary here on Lets Go Big Tunes blog page