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Nina Joselowitz was lucky to spot the elusive cats on her visit to Pilanesberg National Park although, as she told Latest Sightings, they initially mistook them for bobcats!
They realized what they were looking at quickly, and before the caracals managed to get away from them, which is good because a sighting of one is rare, and seeing two together is extra special.
Super Secret Cat
Caracals are beautiful cats which live across the Middle East and Asia, as well as Africa. The IUCN does not consider them a conservation concern on the African continent, unlike many of the other cats one might spot on safari.
Despite this, they can still be difficult to spot as they usually keep to a nocturnal sleep schedule, and they are very good at hiding when the need arises.
Even while keeping the cats in sight while they found a place to mate, Nina said they “had to reverse for a least a km before they found a spot that suited”. They were lucky not to lose them in that time, as it’s remarkable how well they blend into their environment.
Straight To It
Once the caracals had found themselves a nice place, they didn’t waste any time getting down to business, and the male immediately got to work.
There is only a limited amount of research into caracal breeding behavior due to difficulties observing them in the wild, so filming a sighting like this is really quite rare.
Because caracals ordinarily live solitary lives fiercely defending their own territory and joining only for a short mating period, they will likely go their separate ways after this.
Caracal Motherhood
Once pregnant, it wont be long, only two or three months, until this female gives birth to her cubs. Caracal litters usually number between one and six kittens.
Like other small cats, these kittens are born blind, and it will be as many as four weeks before they have open eyes, and an appetite for play. It will be several months before they themselves start hunting, and killing, and around a year before they start mating.
Nina and her family were even able to appreciate this extraordinary sighting without interruption, as she said they “were the only vehicle the entire time.” It makes experiences like these extra special when they can be appreciated for the small, personal moments they are.
Dad Duties
Although the male won’t spend much time with the female other than mating, he doesn’t abandon her straight away. There might not be cuddling or awkward questions for caracals, but he still guards her while she rolls around in the bush.
Nina said it was amazing watching the female “ensuring their actions took root and to watch the male walking guarded circles around her.” For a small cat he does manage to give off quite an intimidating air.
It may well be that he’s not completely done with her yet, as caracals can mate up to five times per day, and the female can mate with different males. It’s likely he’s taking the time to have a quick look around and ensure he’s not got any competitors trying to get in on the action.
Either way, it’s a definitely a sighting to remember, and one that Nina and her group should feel very privileged that they got to see.