Origin:
The caracal (Caracal caracal) is a medium-sized wild cat native to Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Its name is derived from the Turkish word "karakulak", meaning "black ears", referring to its characteristic dark ear tips. The caracal has adapted to life in a variety of environments, from savannas and semi-deserts to rocky mountain areas.

Specifics:
Appearance: The caracal is an elegant beast with a short, sandy-brown coat that serves as camouflage in dry and open habitats. Its ears, black at the back and tipped with long, bristly tufts, are its most distinctive feature. Adults reach a length of 60–105 cm (plus a 20–30 cm tail) and a weight of 8–20 kg.
Hunting and movement: The caracal is an exceptional jumper and hunter. It can jump up to 3 meters high, which allows it to catch birds in flight. It is also known for its speed and ability to catch prey larger than itself, such as smaller antelopes.
Personality: Unlike some other felines, the caracal is very shy and active mainly at night (nocturnal hunter).

Interesting facts:
Bird specialist: The caracal is one of the few felines that specializes in hunting birds, even while in flight.
Indiscriminate eater: It hunts everything it can find - from rodents to birds to smaller mammals. When given the opportunity, it will also catch young gazelles or small domestic animals.
Communication: Although it looks quiet and inconspicuous, the caracal is capable of meowing, growling, hissing and even making sounds similar to barking.
Occurrence:
Natural occurrence: The caracal is naturally found in sub-Saharan Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, India and parts of Central Asia. It prefers dry and open habitats such as savannahs, semi-deserts and rocky terrain.
Occurrence in hunting grounds: The caracal is not found in the wild in Central Europe. It may be part of private parks or zoos, where it is admired for its elegance and hunting skills. It may be more attractive to hunters as part of hunting safaris in Africa or the Middle East, where its hunting is considered a challenge.

Caracal hunting:
The caracal is hunted mainly in Africa, where its population is stable. It is considered a trophy game due to its rarity, speed and stealth. This hunt requires patience and careful planning, often using tracking or luring at night. However, in many areas its hunting is regulated to avoid endangering the population.