Why in news?
In November 2025, a community‑led wildlife expedition in the Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary of Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district captured photographic evidence of the elusive Asiatic caracal. The sighting marks the first confirmed record of this medium‑sized wild cat in India in many years and highlights the role of local communities in conservation.
Background
The caracal (Caracal caracal) is a sleek, reddish‑brown cat characterised by long tufted ears and a white throat patch. Adults weigh about 9–18 kg and can leap several metres into the air to snatch birds in flight. Found widely across Africa and parts of the Middle East, Central Asia and India, caracals are adaptable hunters that inhabit dry woodlands, savannas, scrublands and even semi‑deserts. Globally the species is listed as Least Concern but populations in Asia are sparse due to habitat loss, hunting and competition with livestock.
Key features of the caracal
- Physical traits: A short reddish coat, powerful hind legs and black tufts on the ears. These tufts may aid in communication and camouflage among tall grasses.
- Adaptable diet: Caracals prey on rodents, hares, birds and occasionally small antelope. Their strong jaws allow them to take down animals larger than themselves.
- Solitary and secretive: They are mainly nocturnal and maintain large territories, which makes sightings rare.
- Conservation status: Habitat degradation, retaliatory killings by farmers and infrastructure projects threaten caracals in India. Rediscovering them underscores the need to protect arid habitats and manage human–wildlife conflict.
Community‑led conservation
- Local involvement: Villagers and conservationists used camera traps and field surveys to locate the caracal. Their participation builds trust and awareness.
- Protecting habitat: Conservation groups are advocating for the preservation of grasslands and scrublands that support caracals and other desert wildlife. Solar energy projects in Rajasthan should consider wildlife corridors to avoid fragmentation.
- Education: Engaging youth in monitoring programmes helps reduce conflict and fosters pride in local biodiversity.
Conclusion
The Asiatic caracal’s appearance in Rajasthan proves that elusive species can persist when communities actively participate in conservation. Continued research, habitat protection and coexistence measures are essential to ensure this charismatic cat remains part of India’s natural heritage.
Source: DH · Bombay Natural History Society