Caracal hunting in Tanzania

Caracal, also known as a Lynx has a medium Bobcat size rufous-fawn body and a creamy colour belly. They have distinctive tufted black ears from which they derive their name, from the Turkish term karakulak, meaning ‘black ears’. This solitary nocturnal predator moves with a catlike gracefulness and is an excellent climber and will take refuge in a tree when pressurised by hunters or dogs. Caracals are found throughout Tanzania and favour rocky mountainous terrain and semi-arid areas. These ferocious cats can fight well above their weight, killing prey much larger than themselves. Prey species can include anything from an Impala ram to a mouse. They also have great aerial skills, being able to leap high off the ground and pluck flying birds out of the air. They are hunted more as a trophy of opportunity and sometimes bumped while sitting at a waterhole. Caracals are classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, no special hunting permits are required other than a prearranged Tanzanian hunting license.