Caracal — size comparison

The caracal is a slender cat of savannas, semi-deserts and dry woodland in Africa and parts of Asia. It has a plain reddish coat, long legs and distinctive blac

Silhouette comparison

Height

Ground barkReference values · details in the profiles

Caracal

Caracal caracal

ok. 46 cmAdult male
at the shoulder
Mass
8–20 kgSamce
Shared ground line. The scale follows the measurement stated for each animal. Person: 170 cm
HeightScale in cm
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CaracalHeight at shoulderapprox. 46 cm

The scale compares the named dimensions. View direction and measurement points are given for each animal.

46–46 cm range across the animals shown

Person: 170 cm
Caracal — size comparison — facts and sources

The caracal is a slender cat of savannas, semi-deserts and dry woodland in Africa and parts of Asia. It has a plain reddish coat, long legs and distinctive black ear tufts. The old name desert lynx reflects a resemblance, but caracals belong to a different genus from true lynxes.

It hunts mammals and birds, using keen hearing and scrub for cover. After a concealed approach, it attacks at close range. Powerful hind legs allow high leaps to catch birds taking flight. Usually solitary, it concentrates much activity in cooler hours. Females shelter young in a hidden den until they can accompany them.

Measurement sources