Caracal are most abundant in the dry lowland savannas of southern Africa. 

However they occur in all habitat types throughout their range from semi-desert, scrub and woodland; as well as in mountainous terrain (up to 3000m) and coastal forests. 

The only habitats where they do not occur are extreme desert regions and tropical rain forests.

HABITAT MAP: The Caracal's distribution is shown in white dots. Note how the distribution corresponds with the suitable habitat types.