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Subspecies spotlight #03:  Schmitz’s Caracal

Photo source: [1] [2]

Written by admin Lynx

Schmitz’s Caracal (C. c. schmitzi) is a subspecies of caracal that has a broad range from India to Israel. They are commonly believed to be the only endangered subspecies of caracal, though this remains unconfirmed due to insufficient research.

Their appearance and coat color ranges greatly in comparison to other subspecies. Some populations are known for having a grey-tinted coat. One captive caracal whom resided at the Melbourne Zoo was occasionally labeled as melanistic, though the zoo believes his unique coloration was simply due to the subspecies he belonged to; c. c. schmitzi [x].

There is slight confusion surrounding Schmitz’s caracal and a now-disproved subspecies, C. c. michaelis. C. c. michaelis is an outdated scientific name for caracals inhabiting Turkmenistan; it is now a synonym used for C. c. schmitzi.