African Lynx

What's the African lynx? It is an early name for the well-known, small-to-medium sized wild cat species the caracal (Caracal caracal and formerly Felis caracal). It was the given name in the early days of the taxonomy of the wild cat species as it was and is the only lynx-like animal in Africa. I think this is a reference to the ear tufts.  It has also been called the desert lynx and Persian lynx.

As the caracal's distribution includes the Middle East and western Asia (or did) the term African lynx was abandoned in favour of 'caracal'.

Caracal formerly the 'African lynx'. Image: MikeB based on one in the public domain.

African Lynx

 "African lynx" is an earlier name for the caracal (Caracal caracal). It was given to this medium-sized cat because it is the only lynx-like animal in Africa. The name was misleading because the caracal is also found in the Middle East and western Asia. The term African lynx was abandoned in favour of caracal.

Tamed caracal being watered by Sarah and friend. Photo in public domain in my view.

I have written a lot about the caracal and therefore won't go over those topics again here. If you want to read more about this highly athletic medium-sized wild cat which has the highest jump of any cat on the planet from a standing start then please click on this link. You'll be taken to a whole range of articles on the subject.