80 



SOUTH AFKICAN MAMMALS 



and of the same colour as the body. Length of head and 

 body about 3 feet. Tail, 1 foot. 



This handsome creature is an inhabitant of the entire 

 African continent, extending even to Arabia, Persia, and 

 India, although the Caracal of the latter regions bears 

 a different sub-specific name. 



FIG. 25. African Lynx, or Caracal. 



We have found them not uncommon in the neighbour- 

 hood of Grahamstown, and in certain bushy tracts of the 

 Orange Free State. The Zoo has obtained examples 

 from Mafeking, Kimberley, Christiania, Van Rynsdorp, 

 Griqualand, and Serowe. It preys upon small mammals 

 and birds, especially game-birds and their young, and 

 has been known to ravage sheep kraals. It is of a some- 



