African Golden Cat (Caracal aurata)

African Golden Cat Key Facts

*   Endemic to Africa

*   Fur lies forward on head & neck

*   Very few studies

African Golden Cat Facts

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Caracal aurata

NAME ORIGIN

The Golden Cat gets the name from its reddish coat. The full common name is the African Golden Cat which distinguishes it from the similar Asian Golden Cat.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Vulnerable (Global). Note that within each country the conservation status can differ to the global status.

The African Golden Cat has a stocky build with a short tail and the coat varies from reddish to grey.

The African Golden Cat is endemic to Africa and only occurs in the tropical forests of equatorial Africa.

BEHAVIOR

The solitary African Golden Cat feeds mainly on rodents and birds, and is active at dawn and dusk (crepuscular) and at night (nocturnal).

From the few African Golden Cats that have been kept in captivity, gestation (pregnancy) is 75 days with two kittens in a litter and weaning at about six weeks.

Further Information

The following professional organizations have well researched and accurate information on African Golden Cats:

Video: Elusive Golden Cat - Filmed by National Geographic

South Africa Travel Guide
Travel Guide South Africa 2023

Namibia Travel Guide 2022
Travel Guide Namibia 2022

Botswana Travel Guide
Travel Guide Botswana 2022/23