Caracal

The caracal is a medium-sized wild cat with striking tufted ears and a sandy coat, found across Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It thrives in dry, open habitats where its strong legs and sharp teeth make it a skilled hunter. Those long ear tufts aren't just for show—they help the caracal pinpoint tiny sounds.

• Its ears have black tufts up to 4.4 cm long, like built-in antennae.
• Adult caracals stand about 40-50 cm tall at the shoulder.
• Weighs as much as a large housecat or small dog (8-19 kg).