Caracal:
Officials have confirmed the return of the rare caracal in the Thar Desert near the India-Pakistan border.
- Caracal is an elusive medium-sized wild cat species.
- It is often referred to as the desert lyn; however, they are more closely related to the African golden cat and the Serval.
- In India, it is called siya gosh, a Persian name that translates as ‘black Ear’.
- The caracal has a solid build, long legs, a short face, and tufted ears.
- The cat’s fur is generally a red-tan or sand, although some black caracals have also been seen.
- It can be found in many environments, such as semi-deserts, savannahs, shrublands, steppes, forests, and woodlands. It prefers dry areas with very little rainfall.
- It is native to Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, northwestern India (primarily in Rajasthan and Gujarat) and arid areas of Pakistan.
- Characteristics:
- Like most species of cat, the caracal is predominantly nocturnal.
- They live in small herds and it is shy and elusive nature makes them difficult to spot in the wild.
- Diet: Caracals are carnivores
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Least Concern
- Wildlife Conservation Act 1972: Schedule 1
