Caracal hunting in Namibia

Caracals, (also called Lynx) are medium-sized cats that vary considerably in size according to the region and prey availability. They are reddish-brown body colouring with noticeably black tassels on the tips of their pointed ears. These well-built animals have strong legs and remarkably large paws. They are known for their ability to catapult high into the air and pluck low flying birds out of the air. Caracals are found countrywide and well adapted to the region but prefer the savanna and open woodlands. They are quite at home in semi-arid areas as well but absent from the extreme Namib Desert regions of western Namibia. Caracals are solitary nocturnal predators. Being efficient killers, they feed on animals from the size of mice to an adult Springbuck. In areas where small domestic stock (sheep and goats) farming occur, these animals are not tolerated and hunted as vermin. Caracals respond well to predator callers, if not overused. Caracals are classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, no special hunting permits are required.