Body vitals, morphometric, haematology and serum biochemistry values of Captive Caracal Aurata (African Golden Cat)

Abstract

The Caracal aurata (African golden cat) is a species whose conservation status is vulnerable due to habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and poaching activities. This was a cross-sectional study conducted to determine the body vitals, morphometric, haematology and serum biochemistry values of eight adult Caracal aurata housed at the CTC Conservation Center in Butambala District. Body vitals (heart rate, respiratory rate, capillary refill time and rectal temperature) and body measurements, using a tape measure, of eight adult cats were taken and recorded. Blood samples were obtained as well via venipuncture of the cephalic vein after administration of a combination of xylazine and ketamine, after which hematologic and serum biochemistry values were determined. The findings revealed that the body vitals of Caracal aurata are similar to those of domestic cats and lions and tigers with body temperature ranging from 38.1 C to 39.3 C and mean heart rate and mean respiratory rate being 120beats per minute and 10breaths per min respectively. This study also found that Caracal aurata males weighed more than females (mean 9.78kg for males and 7.83kg for females) and generally had higher morphometric measurements as well. Results of the, haematology and serum biochemistry values recorded were generally similar to those recorded for the domestic cat, as well as other wild felids with some values displaying wider or smaller range intervals such as the haemoglobin concentration and Packed Cell Volume. However, some variations were noted, for example, ALT, AST and GGT whose values were higher than those recorded for domestic cats but lower than those recorded for lions and tigers. These species-specific findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the biology of the species, and it is the hope of this research that the reported results of this study serve as a foundation for future comparative studies, disease monitoring and informed decision-making in the management and conservation of the African golden cat both in captivity and in the wild.