If you missed our Night Cats on the Prowl live chat with Peter Gros, former host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, we've got the transcript with your night cat questions answered, right here.
Peter Gros: We're pleased to join you tonight with some of the most amazing night photography ever aired. We're proud to have been able to capture nighttime hunting behavior that's never been seen before, thanks to the technology of infrared cameras.
Samantha: Why do caracals have tufted ears?
Peter Gros: There are several reasons. Some researchers have thought the size of the fine hairs helped to pick up sound waves, others that it breaks up the silhouette pattern of the animal to aid in camouflage. But probably — and most importantly — it makes the caracal look fierce as it snarls, while turning its ears toward the back of its body and laying the tufts back. It snarls when protecting its territory and its young. So it's a form of visual communication.
Soola: What do caracals do during the day?
Peter Gros: Depending on the temperature, during the heat of the day they will lie in aardvark holes or shaded areas to stay cool, and rest up for their nighttime hunt. They also will teach their young predatory play, which becomes very useful as adults when they must hunt on their own. They also take casual strolls to establish their territory, scent-marking, with a constant eye for predators.
lektem: Hello, we know male lions kill other male lions' cubs. But do they eat them? Or just kill them?
Peter Gros: Male lions have been known to kill other cubs to eliminate competition for food and reduce territorial threats, and competition for food at a later date. However, cannibalism has been documented with lions and other large predators.
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