Caracal

Thursday, December 29, 2011

  
The Life of Animals | Caracal | The Caracal is a Slender, yet muscular, cat, with long legs and a short tail. Males typically weigh 13 to 18 kilograms (29 to 40 lb), while females weigh about 11 kilograms (24 lb).  The Caracal is 65 to 90 centimetres (26 to 35 in) in length, with a 30 centimetres (12 in) tail. Compared to lynxes, it has longer legs, shorter fur, and a slimmer appearance.



The color of the fur varies the between wine-red, gray, or sand-colored. Melanistic (black) caracals also occur. 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.

The pupils of a Caracal's eyes contract to form circles rather than the slits found in most small cats. The most conspicuous feature of the Caracal is elongated, Tufted black ears, the which also explain the origin of its name, karakulak, Turkish for "black ear".

The jaw is short and equipped with powerful teeth. About 92 percent of caracals lack the second upper premolar teeth The Caracal is distributed over Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan and India.  The Caracal may survive without drinking for a long period - the water demand is satisfied with the body fluids of its prey. may occur at any time of year; however, it is more Likely to occur prey is plentiful, the which stimulates estrous in females. The estrous cycle Lasts two weeks, and is marked by the female urine spraying chemical cues containing advertising her receptivity to neighbouring males.

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. Before birth, the female prepares a den in a cave or other area Sheltered, Sometimes using the Abandoned Burrows of other animals. At birth, the kittens are blind and helpless, weigh 198 to 250 grams (7.0 to 8.8 oz), and have yellow to reddish brown fur with black markings.