Caracals are found in most regions of Africa and from the Arabian Peninsula through northwest India. Caracals are at home in a number of habitats. They live in woodlands, savannahs and in scrub forests, but avoid sandy deserts. In southern Africa, they usually live in upland areas.

Where are caracals most common?

Caracals are most numerous in South Africa and Namibia, where their range is expanding, possibly due to extirpation of black-backed jackals by farmers. An additional threat is severe habitat loss. As people move further into their territory, their prey species are driven out and persecution increases.

Do caracals live in North America?

Caracals live on rocky hills or grasslands in the Middle East, Africa, and south Asia. The animal is one of more than 30 species of small wild cats.