Natura Prestige set 2004 Caracal (Wild Cats of Africa) Limited Edition 700

The caracal (Caracal caracal), also known as the African Lynx or Desert Lynx, is portrayed on the 2004 Natura gold coins. This remarkable hunter is featured as the third theme in the series, "Wild Cats of Africa", following the "Cheetah - Athlete of Africa" in 2002 and "The Lion - Royalty of Africa" in 2003.

The caracal is an agile and feisty hunter. It predominantly preys on medium-sized mammals and birds, although it is capable of taking much larger prey such a an adult springbuck or impala. The caracal has an exceptional ability to hunt birds. It will stalk doves or sandgrouse as they come to drink, then leap high into the air catching a bird between its front paws. It is said that the caracal is so fast that it may get two birds with one leap.

A portrait of a caracal is depicted on the common obverse. The words "South Africa" year "2004" form part of the silhouette design of tree branches and grass. Each coin, R100 (1 oz), R50 (1/2 oz), R20 (1/4 oz) and R10 (1/10 oz), captures a different aspect of this solitary hunter.