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Taxa

Caracal

Mammal Genera

Caracal is a genus of cats, family Felidae, containing one living species, Caracal caracal, with three recognized subspecies, southern, northern and Asiatic, found across sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and into Pakistan and northwestern India. It is a medium-sized cat reaching 40 to 50 centimeters at the shoulder and weighing 8 to 19 kilograms, males larger than females, distinguished by long tufted ears, a short face, long canine teeth and a uniformly reddish-tan or sandy coat with lighter underparts.

Facts
Taxonomic Rank
Genus 3
Scientific Name
Caracal 3
Geographic Distribution
native to Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and arid areas of Pakistan and northwestern India 1
Defining Characteristics
The caracal is typically nocturnal, though some activity may be observed during the day as well 1
Partially Attested
Member Species/Taxa Count
2 3
Historically the genus was considered monotypic, containing only Caracal caracal; current phylogenetic classification places the African golden cat, Caracal aurata, in the same genus as well, per the Wikipedia genus-level article.
Identification
Distinguishing Appearance
characterised by a robust build, long legs, a short face, long tufted ears, relatively short tail, and long canine teeth 1
Classification
Living or Extinct
Yes 2
Connections

Parent Taxon Of

African Golden Cat, Species
Source Wikidata: African Golden Cat
In the Other Atlases
  • Also in Geography Atlas: Africa, found in there.
  • Also in Geography Atlas: Asia, found in there.
  • Also in Geography Atlas: Central Asia, found in there.
  • Also in Geography Atlas: The Middle East, found in there.
Sources
1. Caracal (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundation
  • Introduction section
    native to Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and arid areas of Pakistan and northwestern India
  • Ecology and behaviour section
    The caracal is typically nocturnal, though some activity may be observed during the day as well
  • Introduction/Description section
    characterised by a robust build, long legs, a short face, long tufted ears, relatively short tail, and long canine teeth
View the Source
2. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ30847, descriptionView the Source
3. Caracal (genus) - Wikipedia
  • Introduction, sentence 1 (rank clause)
    Caracal is a genus in the subfamily Felinae of the family Felidae
  • Introduction, sentence 1 (name clause)
    Caracal is a genus in the subfamily Felinae of the family Felidae
  • Taxonomy section, species table row
    Genus Caracal, Gray, 1843, two species
View the Source
Wikidata: Caracal
Wikidata Q2937805, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source
Wikidata: African Golden Cat
Parent Taxon Of: African Golden Cat, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chainView the Source
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