Range size and habitat use of an adult male caracal in northern Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Between March 1996 and January 1997 an adult male caracal was radio-tracked in the northern steppe desert of Saudi Arabia. Total home range, using the 95% minimum convex polygon method from 65 locations, increased from 270 km2in winter and spring to 448 km2by the end of summer, reaching 1116km2by January 1997. The caracal fed on camelCamelus dromedarusand gazelleGazella subgutturosacarcasses, and killed and ate a steppe eagleAquila nipalensis; the faeces contained rodent bones (Merionessp. andGerbillussp.). Diurnal resting areas had higher densities of small mammals than random sites. Low prey biomass in a very arid environment probably necessitated the large movements made by this individual.