THE CARACAL. iS9g 
Characters.—With this species we come to the first of the True 
Lynxes, all of which are characterised by the long and well- 
marked pencil of hairs at the tip of the ears, the absence of the 
anterior upper pre-molar tooth, and the slight development of 
the tubercle on the inner side of the upper carnassial tooth. 
Were it not for their connection with the more typical members 
of the family by means of the Jungle Cat and its allies, there 
would be much to be said in favour of referring them to a 
genus apart. Asit is, however, such a course cannot be justi- 
fied, especially when we recall the fact that in its greater length 
of tail the Caracal connects the other Lynxes with the Jungle 
Cat. 
From the other Lynxes the Caracal is at once distinguished 
by the greater length of its tail, which reaches down to the 
hocks ; while it is further characterised by its uniform red 
colour and long and pointed black ears. In point of size it is 
intermediate between the Jungle Cat and the common Lynx ; 
the build is slender, the limbs are relatively long, and the tail 
equals one-third the length of the head and body. 
Mr. Blanford describes the colour of the upper parts as vary- 
ing from rufous-fawn to brownish-rufous, “ generally the former 
in Indian specimens, unspotted ; below paler rufous or white, 
often with indistinct rufous spots. Fur nearly the same colour 
throughout, slightly paler near the roots, some white tips inter- 
mixed on the back, and in dark specimens black tips also, 
giving a peculiar grizzled appearance. Limbs and tail the same 
colour as the body, the tip of the tail being sometimes, but 
not always, black. Ears outside black, often mixed with white ; 
inside white. A blackish spot on each side of the upper lip, 
and others, not always distinct, above each eye and on each 
side of the nose. A white or pale spot inside, and another 
below each eye.” Length of head and body, 26 to 30 inches ; 
of tail, from 9 to ro inches; height, 16 to 18 inches. 
