The caracal is a sleek, medium-sized wild cat native to Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, easily recognized by its tall, tufted black ears. It has a short, reddish-gold coat, long legs, and a powerful, athletic build that makes it an exceptional jumper—capable of leaping several feet into the air to catch birds mid-flight. Caracals are solitary and elusive, hunting mostly at night and feeding on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.