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{{Distinguish|Caracul}} 
{{Taxobox
| name = Caracal<ref name=MSW3>{{MSW3 Wozencraft|pages=533}}</ref>
| status = criticaly Endengerd 
| trend = down
| status_system = iucn3.1
| status_ref =<ref name=iucn>{{IUCN2008|assessors=Breitenmoser, C., Henschel, P. & Sogbohossou, E.|year=2008|id=3847|title=Caracal caracal|downloaded=18 जनवरी 2009}} Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern</ref>
| image = Caracal001.jpg
| regnum = [[आनीमाल्या]]
| phylum = [[खोर्दाता]]
| classis = [[मामाल्या]]
| ordo = [[कार्नीवोरा]]
| familia = [[फेलीदै]]
| subfamilia = [[फ़ेलिनै]]
| genus = '''''Caracal''''' (काराकाल्)
| genus_authority = [[John Edward Gray|Gray]], 1843
| species = '''''का॰ काराकाल्'''''
| binomial = ''काराकाल् काराकाल्''
| binomial_authority = ([[Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber|Schreber]], 1776)
| synonyms = ''Felis caracal''
| type_species = '''''Caracal melanotis'''''
| type_species_authority = [[John Edward Gray|Gray]], 1843 (= ''Felis caracal'' [[Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber|Schreber]], 1776) by monotypy
| range_map = Caracal distribution.png
| range_map_caption =
}}
The '''caracal''' (''Caracal caracal'', pronounced {{IPA-en|ˈkarakal|}}) (काराकाल्) is a fiercely territorial medium-sized [[Felidae|cat]] ranging over [[Western Asia]] and [[Africa]]. The word ''caracal'' comes from the [[Turkish language|Turkish]] word "karakulak", meaning "black ear"<ref name="sci">{{cite web|url=http://www.scirecordbook.org/caracal/|title=SCI recordbook -Caracal|publisher=Safari Club International|accessdate=10 जून 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728004041/http://www.scirecordbook.org/caracal/|archive-date=28 जुलाई 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>. In [[North India]] and Pakistan, the caracal is locally known as ''syahgosh'' (स्याहगोष/سیاحگوش) or ''shyahgosh'', which is a Persian-derived term meaning ''black ears''.<ref name="upgazetteer1909j">{{Cite document | title=Volume 1 of District Gazetteers of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh | author=D.L. Drake-Brockman | year=1909 | isbn= | publisher=Government Press, United Provinces, भारत | url=http://books.google.com/?id=-zJuAAAAMAAJ | quote=''... The caracal (felia caracal) or syahgosh is also found in the Dun ...'' | pages=552 | author2=Drake-Brockman, D.L | postscript=<!--None-->}}</ref> Although it has traditionally had the alternative names '''Persian Lynx''', '''Egyptian Lynx''' and '''African Lynx''', it is no longer considered to be an actual [[lynx]]. Instead, it is now believed to be closely related to the [[African golden cat]] and the [[Serval]]. The caracal is classified as a small cat, yet is amongst the heaviest of all small cats, as well as the quickest, being nearly as fast as the [[serval]].

== Description ==
The caracal is a slender, yet muscular, cat, with long legs and a short [[tail]]. Males typically weigh {{convert|13|to|18|kg|lb}}, while females weigh about {{convert|11|kg|lb}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nhm.org/cats/|title=Cats from A to Z|publisher=National History Museum of Los Angeles County|accessdate=31 मई 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529054835/http://www.nhm.org/cats/|archive-date=29 मई 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> The caracal resembles a [[Eurasian Lynx]], and for a long time it was considered a close relative of the [[lynx]]es. It has a tail nearly a third of its body length, and both sexes look the same. The caracal is {{convert|65|to|90|cm|in}} in length, with a {{convert|30|cm|in}} tail. Compared to lynxes, it has longer legs, shorter fur, and a slimmer appearance. 

The colour of the [[fur]] varies between wine-red, grey, or sand-coloured. [[Melanism|Melanistic]] (black) caracals also occur.<ref name=sci/> Young caracals bear reddish spots on the underside; adults do not have markings except for black spots above the eyes and small white patches around the eyes and nose. Underparts of chin and body are white, and a narrow black line runs from the corner of the eye to the nose.<ref name=sci/> 

The [[pupil]]s of a caracal's eyes contract to form circles rather than the slits found in most small cats.<ref name=honolulu>{{Cite web |url=http://www.honoluluzoo.org/caracal.htm |title=संग्रहीत प्रति |access-date=2 दिसंबर 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927064109/http://www.honoluluzoo.org/caracal.htm |archive-date=27 सितंबर 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The most conspicuous feature of the caracal is elongated, tufted black ears, which also explain the origin of its name, ''karakulak'', [[Turkish language|Turkish]] for "black ear". A juvenile has black on the outside of the ears, which disappears as it becomes an adult<ref name=honolulu/>. Its ears, which it uses to locate [[prey]], are controlled by 20 different [[muscles]].{{Citation needed|date=जुलाई 2009}}

The feet of a caracal have numerous stiff hairs growing between the pads. These probably help the animal walk on soft sand. The jaw is short and equipped with powerful teeth. About 92 percent of caracals lack the second upper premolar teeth.<ref name=WCoW>{{cite book|author=Sunquist, Mel|author2=Sunquist, Fiona|year=2002|title=Wild cats of the World|publisher=University of Chicago Press|location=Chicago|pages=[https://archive.org/details/wildcatsofworld00sunq/page/37 37–47]|isbn=0-226-77999-8|url=https://archive.org/details/wildcatsofworld00sunq/page/37}}</ref>

== Habitat and diet ==
[[चित्र:Caracal hunting in the serengeti.jpg|left|thumb|A caracal hunting in the [[Serengeti]]]]
The caracal is distributed over [[Africa]] and the [[Middle East]]. Its chief habitat is dry steppes and semideserts, but it also inhabits woodlands, savannah, and scrub forest<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/AZA/FelidTAG/Species/Factsheets/caracal.cfm|title=Smithsonian National Zoological Park Field Tag|accessdate=6 जून 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623070639/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/AZA/FelidTAG/Species/Factsheets/caracal.cfm|archive-date=23 जून 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>. They generally prefer open country, so long as there is sufficient cover, in the form of bushes and rocks, from which to ambush prey. 

Its life expectancy in the wild is 12 years, and 17 years in captivity. The caracal may survive without drinking for a long period — the water demand is satisfied with the body fluids of its prey. Since it is also surprisingly easy to tame, it has been used as a hunting cat in Iran and India<ref name=sci/>.

== Behaviour ==
Adult caracals dwell either alone or, less commonly, in pairs. Females inhabit relatively small home ranges, varying from {{convert|5|to|57|km2|mi2}}, depending on the local availability of prey. While the females actively defend their territory against other females, the males roam over much larger areas of {{convert|19|to|220|km2|mi2}} with considerable overlap.<ref name=WCoW/>

Like other cats, caracals [[scent mark]] their territory. They leave their [[faeces]] in visible locations, and also mark territory by spraying urine onto bushes or logs, or raking it into the ground with their hind feet.<ref name=WCoW/>

Caracals hunt by stalking their prey, approaching within about {{convert|5|m|ft}} before suddenly sprinting and leaping. They kill smaller prey with a bite to the nape of the neck, and larger animals by biting the throat and then raking with their claws. Caracals sometimes cover their larger prey if they cannot consume the whole carcass in a single meal, and return to it later. Some have even been observed to hide carcasses in trees.<ref name=WCoW/>

It is best known for its spectacular skill at hunting birds, able to snatch a bird in flight, sometimes more than one at a time. It can jump and climb exceptionally well, which enables it to catch hyraxes better than probably any other carnivore. If no cover is available in which to conceal itself, a caracal may flatten itself against the ground and remain motionless, allowing its coat colour to act as camouflage.<ref name=WCoW/>

Caracals produce the usual range of sounds for cats, including growling, hissing, purring, and calling. Unusually, they also make a barking sound, which is possibly used as a warning.<ref name=WCoW/>

== Reproduction and life cycle ==
[[चित्र:Caracal kitten.jpg|thumb|right|Caracal kitten]]
Mating may occur at any time of year; however, it is more likely to occur when prey is plentiful, which stimulates [[estrous]] in females<ref name="umich">{{cite web|url=http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Caracal_caracal.html|title=Animal Diversity Web-Caracal|coauthors=Phillips, L. and B. Lundrigan|publisher=University of Michigan Museum of Zoology|accessdate=10 जून 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411143135/http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Caracal_caracal.html|archive-date=11 अप्रैल 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>. The estrous cycle lasts two weeks, and is marked by the female spraying urine containing chemical cues advertising her receptivity to neighbouring males.

The female typically mates with several males over the course of a number of days. In some areas, males have been observed to fight aggressively for access to females and remain with her for several days to guard against rivals; in others, they appear to be less protective. Copulation lasts anything from 90 seconds to ten minutes.<ref name=WCoW/>

[[Gestation]] last 68–81 days, and litter size ranges from one to six kittens. For litters born in their natural environment, the maximum number of kittens is three; however, larger litters are more likely to occur in captivity where nutrition needs are adequately met<ref name=umich/>. Before birth, the female prepares a den in a cave or other sheltered area, sometimes using the abandoned burrows of other animals. At birth, the kittens are blind and helpless, weigh {{convert|198|to|250|g|oz}}, and have yellow to reddish brown fur with black markings. The eyes open at around ten days, and the [[deciduous teeth]] have fully developed by fifty days. The canines are the first permanent teeth to appear, at around four or five months, with the others following over the next six months.<ref name=WCoW/> 

Kittens are able to leave the birthing den at around one month old, and at about this time the mother will begin regularly moving them to new locations. Kittens are weaned at about ten weeks, but may stay with their mother for up to one year, when they start to reach sexual maturity.<ref name=wwc>{{cite web|url=http://www.wildcatconservation.org/Caracal_%28Caracal_caracal%29.html|title=Caracal|year=2001|publisher=International Society for Endangered Cats (ISEC) Canada|accessdate=6 फ़रवरी 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100628192516/http://www.wildcatconservation.org/Caracal_(Caracal_caracal).html|archive-date=28 जून 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> Life expectancy in the wild is twelve years, and seventeen years in captivity.

== Conservation ==
[[चित्र:Caracal caracal -Toronto Zoo, Ontario, Canada-8b.jpg|left|thumb|''C. c. caracal'' at the [[Toronto Zoo]], Canada]]
Caracals are often viewed as [[vermin]] by farmers in Africa as they may prey on domesticated [[livestock]] such as poultry and young sheep and goats<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2004/january/caracal.htm |title=संग्रहीत प्रति |access-date=2 दिसंबर 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305023247/http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2004/january/caracal.htm |archive-date=5 मार्च 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>. Caracals are rarely seen in the wild despite their relative abundance, as they hide extremely well. Game drives in countries such as [[Kenya]] and [[Botswana]] widely encounter other animals, but a sighting of a caracal is extremely rare.

Because it is so easily tamed, the caracal is sometimes kept as a pet and can adapt to living with humans<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.animalorphanagekenya.org/members/brandy_for_breakfast.php |title=संग्रहीत प्रति |access-date=2 दिसंबर 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305041851/http://www.animalorphanagekenya.org/members/brandy_for_breakfast.php |archive-date=5 मार्च 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>. The caracal has been hybridised with the domestic cat at the Moscow Zoo.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Kusminych, I, and Pawlowa, A | title = Ein Bastard von Karakal Hauskatze im Moskauer Zoo | journal = Der Zoologische Garten | volume = 68 | issue = 4 | year = 1998}}</ref>
{{clear}}

== Subspecies ==
* ''Caracal caracal algira'' (Wagner, 1841), [[North Africa]]
* ''caracal'' (Schreber, 1776), [[East Africa|East]], [[Central Africa|Central]] and [[South Africa]]
* ''Caracal caracal damarensis'' (Roberts, 1926), [[Namibia]]
* ''Caracal caracal limpopoensis'' (Roberts, 1926), [[Botswana]]
* ''Caracal caracal lucani'' (Rochebrune, 1885), [[Gabon]]
* ''Caracal caracal nubica'' (J. B. Fischer, 1829), [[Ethiopia]], [[Sudan]]
* ''Caracal caracal poecilotis'' (Thomas and Hinton, 1921), [[West Africa]]
* ''Caracal caracal schmitzi'' (Matschie, 1912), [[Israel]], [[West Asia]], [[Iran]], [[Arabia]], [[Pakistan]], [[भारत]], [[Jordan]]

== In popular culture ==
* Mew from the anime series ''[[Wolf's Rain]]'' is a caracal whom [[List of Wolf's Rain characters#Kiba|Kiba]] befriends.

* The caracal is one of the animals available in the "[[Zoo Tycoon 2: African Adventure|African Adventure]]" expansion of ''[[Zoo Tycoon 2]]''.

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons|Caracal caracal}}
{{wikispecies|Caracal caracal}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121001054026/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/ZooGoer/2005/6/caracals.cfm The Caracal at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park]

{{Carnivora|Fe.}}

[[श्रेणी:Felines]]
[[श्रेणी:Fauna of Iran]]
[[श्रेणी:Mammals of Africa]]
[[श्रेणी:Mammals of Southwest Asia]]
[[श्रेणी:Mammals of India]]
[[श्रेणी:Mammals of Pakistan]]
[[श्रेणी:Words of Turkish origin]]
[[श्रेणी:Monotypic mammal genera]]
[[श्रेणी:Carnivorans of Africa]]
[[श्रेणी:Animals described in 1843]]