This sighting was submitted anonymously, with no confirmed location.
Watch The Sighting
Open Terrain
As the video starts, it shows a caracal intent on an unseen target, moving across open terrain. The only cover available is a few tussocks of grass.
Then, in the distance, a family of warthogs appears. At first, they are oblivious of the caracal’s presence.
It soon becomes apparent that the caracal is intent on hunting the warthogs, as it makes a beeline towards them.
Spotted
As the caracal continues its brazen approach, some of the warthogs spot it. They stand their ground, watching the cat’s approach.
A caracal taking on a warthog is unusual. Weighing in at between 16 and 19 kilograms, caracals are considerably lighter than warthogs, which tip the scales between 75 and 150 kilograms.
However, caracals do have an incredible power-to-weight ratio and are known to kill adult impalas occasionally.
Stalk Mode
Although the warthogs are aware of its approach, as the caracal gets closer, it instinctively lowers its body closer to the ground. Still, the warthogs stand their ground.
Assuming the approaching cat doesn’t pose a threat, two of the smaller pigs then continue walking.
Possibly Pregnant
In the image below, note how the caracal’s belly appears swollen. Could it be that it is pregnant and willing to go to unusual lengths to sustain her pregnancy?
Target Identified
When the warthog separated from the rest of the group, the caracal identifies them as its intended target.
Suddenly, it accelerates towards them, its tawny body streaking across the dry veld. Seeing this, the two youngsters take flight immediately.
The Chase Is On
Capable of speeds of up to 80 km/h, the caracal is much quicker than the warthogs, who can only reach speeds of up to 55 km/h.
While one of the hogs veered back towards its family, the other found itself with the caracal hot on its heels.
Initially, it ran towards thicker vegetation. Then, it turned sharply, circling a large acacia to outmanoeuvre its pursuer.
Into The Grass
Then, we lose sight of the predator and the prey as they run into long grass. Meanwhile, the rest of the warthog family appears to have launched a rescue mission.
Following in the tracks of their kin, they too enter the long grass, soon disappearing from view.
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Outcome Unknown
Unfortunately, the camera person was unable to follow the pursuit any further. As such, we have no way of knowing the outcome of the chase.
If the caracal did succeed, it would likely have faced an aggressive response from the rest of the warthog group. For their size, warthogs are incredibly brave and willing to defend themselves and their kind with fearsome tusks.
Rare Sighting
Beyond being an unusual attempted predation, the very fact that these tourists even saw a caracal is fortunate. For the most part, caracals are nocturnal. Also, as solitary creatures, they, like leopards, generally prefer to remain unseen.
Once again, Nature reminds us that there are no fixed rules when it comes to animal behaviour. Although in the case of the caracal, we can’t help but feel that if it had made some attempt at concealment, it might have had better luck.