The caracal (Caracal caracal), also known as the African Lynx or Desert Lynx, is portrayed on the 2004 Natura gold coins. This remarkable hunter is featured as the third theme in the series, “Wild Cats of Africa”, following the “Cheetah - Athlete of Africa” in 2002 and “The Lion - Royalty of Africa” in 2003. The name “caracal” is derived from the Turkish word “karakulak” meaning “black ear”. The black ears, topped with long black tufts, are one of the caracal's distinguishing features. The other is its uniformly tawny-brown to brick-red coloured coat, which allows the caracal to blend in perfectly with its environment. Caracals are common residents in the arid regions of the western part of southern Africa. The caracal is an agile and feisty hunter. It predominantly preys on medium-sized mammals and birds, although it is capable of taking much larger prey such as an adult springbuck or impala. The caracal has an exceptional ability to hunt birds. It will stalk doves or sandgrouse as they come to drink, then leap high into the air catching a bird between its front paws. It is said that the caracal is so fast that it may get two birds with one leap. A portrait of a caracal is depicted on the common obverse. The words “South Africa” and the year “2004” form part of the silhouette design of tree branches and grass. Each coin, R100 (1oz), R50 (˝ oz), R20 (1/4 oz) and R10 (1/10 oz), captures a different aspect of this solitary hunter.

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