[Illustration: Caracal Defending His Booty from Jackals.]
The Caracal is about the size of the European Lynx. Its fur is red
above, without spots, and its chest is fawn colored, speckled with
brown. It is the Lynx of the ancients, and inhabits the north and east
of Africa, Arabia and Persia. Its habits differ very little from those
of the Lynx. It always retains, when in captivity, its savage
disposition and a great desire for liberty.
The Caracal lies in wait for young Antelope and overpowers them without
special exertion, tearing with his sharp teeth the artery of the throat.
The dexterous hunter seldom enjoys his prey in peace for, as all large
animals of prey pursue the small, so the bold, intruding Jackal presses
him from all sides, waiting his chance to snatch part whenever possible.
Our illustration shows such a scene. The Jackal generally has a bad time
in a combat with the Caracal. The Caracal has never yet been tamed in
any menagerie. Even the Arabs of the Soudan fear him. In the
illustration he has been aggravated to the highest pitch by the attacks
of the Jackal. With his long bushy ears lying flat, lips drawn backward
and one sharp, pointed claw raised, he stands ready to strike and bite.
Several of the Jackals have already felt his weapons. Despite this they
howl and press around him until he has had his fill and leaves the rest
of his meat for the persistent beggars.
The Caracal is said to occasionally hunt in packs like Wild Dogs. But
this is uncommon; they usually hunt singly or in companies of two or
three, creeping towards their victim and springing suddenly upon it.
In captivity, Caracals are very irritable, and sometimes display great
ferocity. Dr. Charleton saw one kill and destroy a Hound in a moment,
although the poor creature defended itself to the uttermost. They retire
to a corner of their den, crouching sullenly, and resenting every
attempt at familiarity; when irritated, the ears are laid close to the
head, the eyes glare with malignant fury, the teeth are displayed, and
they utter a hiss not unlike that of a Cat, and quite different from the
growl of a Lion or Tiger. In their wild state they avoid man, but are
dangerous foes when hard pressed or wounded.