Caracal vs. Lynx: What Are 8 Key Differences?

The caracal is a species of cat native to portions of Africa and Asia. A lynx is any of several species of medium-sized wild cats that belong to the genus Felis or Lynx subgenera. These two varieties of cats are frequently mistaken for one another, although they can be easily distinguished. In this post, we will outline eight key distinctions between these two species. Join us in this caracal vs. lynx discussion!

Caracal vs. Lynx: A Comparison

Key Differences Between Caracal vs. Lynx

The key differences between a caracal and a lynx are size, color, physical features, danger, habitat, lifespan, and diet.

Size

The average female Iberian lynx weighs about 21 pounds. The Iberian lynx ranges in length from 23- 27 inches. The Eurasian lynx is the biggest, ranging 27 inches in length and weighing between 40 to 66 pounds.

The shoulder height of a caracal is 16–18 inches, and its length is 24–42 inches, with its 7.9–9.3-inch tail. An adult caracal can weigh between 20 – 40 pounds.

Colors

Medium brown to goldish white is the range of the lynx’s body color. On their chests, bellies, and inner legs, all lynx species have white fur. Depending on the climate, the color, length, and size of lynxes’ hair, as well as their paws, will vary.

The caracal has a tawny or reddish-gold coat with a white chin, throat, and abdomen. The coat is flecked with brown and black, and forms a collar around the neck, a black tail tip, and ear tufts.

Physical Features

The lynx is speckled and blotched, while the caracal is not. Lynx have big paws, tufts on their ears, and hairy soles. They also have long legs and paws.

The caracal is a short-tailed, long-legged cat with black tufts on its pointed ears. Medium-sized caracals have lengthy legs and a short tail. They appear muscular and have small heads. The Caracal’s huge, pointed, black-tufted ears resemble a crown.

Danger

Given their size and the amount of food they require to survive every day, lynx seek and devour large species. Lynx aren’t sociable. Rather, they’re unfriendly and dangerous, making domestication difficult. All lynx will fight back violently when cornered; however, they typically avoid human interaction. The lynx’s padded, hairy claws let it sneak up on prey.

Caracals can attack if cornered and threatened, but this is extremely rare. These cats would sooner escape from a potential threat than fight. Caracals have been known to kill tiny dogs and cats. They can hurt youngsters severely. It is best to stay far away from either of these wild cats!

Diet

Caracals are meat-eaters. They go after tiny antelope, birds, and rodents. Cats stalk their prey before pouncing, and caracals are no exception. Chicken is sometimes eaten by these cats in regions where people reside.

When roe deer is readily accessible, lynx species will eat it. However, the type of food it eats depends on where it lives. In addition to deer, it feeds on a variety of small mammals such as birds and rodents. Lynx are great hunters because of their keen senses of hearing and sight.

Lifespan

The average life expectancy of a lynx, whether male or female, is 10–20 years. Caracals in the wild typically live 10 to 12 years. Although they can live for up to 17 years in captivity, they are nonetheless vulnerable to disease.

Habitat

Caracals can be found all over Africa . Swampy deserts are not as appealing to them as forested environments, savannahs, or scrub forests. They are primarily found in the southern African highlands.

In the far northern forests of North America, Europe, and Asia, the lynx lives in solitude. The boreal forests of Alaska and Canada are home to large populations of lynx.

Habits

Lynx are nocturnal hunters and rovers who like to spend most of their time in the woods at night. Actively stalking and pouncing on their prey, as well as waiting for them to come to them, is how lynxes go about their business.

Caracals spend most of their time alone, except for mating and raising kittens. Territorial behavior is evident in both males and females. Males share territory with multiple other males, whereas a female is the only “owner” of her own territory.

Wrapping Up Caracal vs. Lynx

Even though these wildcats have similar appearances and diets, the caracal and the lynx are two separate species. The caracal does not have any spots or blotches on its coat, in contrast to the lynx, which has plenty of these markings. Additionally, they have slightly different habitats and behaviors.

Up Next:

• Caracal vs Serval: Key Differences Explained
• 10 Incredible Caracal Facts
• Do Caracals Make Good Pets? A Tough Cat to Tame

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