Caracal in Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve

March 19, 2025

Recently, Rajasthan’s Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma announced the first photographic record of a caracal in Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve. This discovery marks the ongoing conservation efforts in the region. The caracal, a medium-sized wild cat, is now classified as endangered with a population of fewer than 50 individuals in India. The sighting was part of the Winter Phase IV survey conducted in the reserve.

About Caracal

The caracal is a nocturnal cat native to Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia.
Its name derives from the Turkish word ‘karakulak’, meaning ‘black ears’, which is a distinctive feature.
Caracals are known for their agility, speed, and ability to leap distances.
They are skilled hunters, primarily preying on small ungulates and rodents.

Historical Significance

Caracals have been part of Indian wildlife for centuries. Historical texts like Khamsa-e-Nizami and Shahnameh reference these cats, indicating their value in hunting. They once thrived in 13 states of India across various biotic provinces.

Population Decline

The caracal population in India has drastically declined over the years. Their numbers halved from pre-Independence times to 2000 and fell over 95% from 2001 to 2020. Currently, they inhabit only 16,709 square kilometres, a mere fraction of their historical range.

Conservation Status

In 2021, the National Board for Wildlife and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change classified the caracal as critically endangered. Factors contributing to their decline include habitat loss due to urbanisation and illegal capture for the exotic pet trade.

Habitat and Ecology

The caracal’s natural habitat includes the Chambal ravines, which have been deemed wastelands. This classification hampers restoration efforts. Caracals rely on their keen senses, particularly their large tufted ears, for hunting and communication. These features also aid in thermoregulation.

Threats to Survival

The main threats to caracals include habitat destruction and hunting. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists them as a vulnerable species, indicating a continued decline in their population.

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