Caracal -
Info: Caracal caracal / Carnivore / 24" to 42" long / 25 to 40 pounds
Current population: Unknown (www.nationalgeographic.com)
Low concern (at this time) on the extinction listing.
This medium-size wildcat roams the savannas, deserts, and forests of much of Africa and parts of the Middle East.
The fastest of the smaller African wildcats, caracals are supreme hunters. Their sandy-colored coats provide camouflage, and stiff fur cushioning their footpads makes them nearly silent stalkers.
Threats: These include habitat destruction due to agriculture and retaliation killing, as caracals will hunt small livestock if given the opportunity.
Why do I post this? Like millions of us I will most likely never see one of these beautiful creatures in the wild. Mostly because of the expense to get to their native areas. Although listed as low on the extinction listing, their numbers are unknown and if history as taught us anything. We will destroy much of which is an inconvenience in the eyes of humans. It also doesn't help that our world population continues to expand and put pressure on so many different animal and plant species and their natural ecosystems.
The photos was taken while on a field trip to the Portland Zoo (OR)with special needs students back in 2016. It is a cheaters pic, but most likely the only one I'll get!
Think about your actions and choices and how they affect the balance of our world.
