Caracal (Felis or Lynx caracal), a species of Lynx (q.v.) found in the warmer parts of Asia and throughout the whole of Africa; and more probably than any European species the lynx of the ancients. It is larger than a fox, about the same height, but much more powerful; of a uniform deep chestnut or wine-red colour, except two spots near each eye, the under parts of the body, and inner parts of the legs, which are white, and tufts of long black hair which terminate the ears. The young forms are spotted. The ears are about 3 inches in length. The caracal is powerful enough to tear a hound to pieces. It is often represented as of a very savage disposition, and certainly is most ill-tempered or probably semi-insane in captivity, but is capable of being tamed, and is in India employed for hunting hares and rabbits.