What Type Of Animal Is A Caracal

Often called a desert lynx, the caracal does not have the ruff around its face like a lynx does. Caracals have short yellowish brown, grayish, or reddish brown fur. Their chin, throat and belly are white. An adult caracal weighs 35-40 pounds, is 16-20 inches high at the shoulder, and 35-39 inches long (not including tail). Male and female look alike.

The pupils of a caracal's eyes contract to circles rather than slits.

- The phrase "to put the cat among the pigeons" refers to the caracal, who were trained as bird hunters at one time in India and Iran.

- A caracal's hind legs are noticeably longer than his front legs.

- Caracals are often killed for suspected predation on small livestock. They are also hunted for their fur and meat.