| Caracal Caracal caracal |
Size: females 11 kg (24 lbs) males 20 kg (40 lbs) .
Habitat: The caracal prefers scrubby arid habitats such as dry woodlands and savannah.
Primary prey: Caracals are the largest of the African small cats and can take prey larger than themselves, such as small antelope. Most often they feed on rodents, hares, and birds. .
Conservation Status: Stable (Vulnerable in Asia).
Principal threats: Illegal hunting; persecution by livestock ranchers.
Distribution: Caracals range over most of Africa and parts of southwest Asia, outside of desert or rainforest areas.
Notable features: The caracal has long hindlimbs and a short tail. Its black-backed ears are topped with elongate tufts that may function in communication among caracals.
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