In News:

The elusive Asiatic Caracal was recently sighted at Ramgarh in Jaisalmer, marking a significant wildlife record for Rajasthan. Once widespread across India’s grasslands and semi-arid regions, the species had nearly disappeared from public consciousness due to its extremely low numbers and elusive behaviour.

About the Caracal

• Scientific Name:Caracal caracal
• Common Names: Desert lynx (misnomer); Siya gosh in India (Persian for “black ear”)
• Taxonomy: More closely related to the African golden cat and serval than to lynxes
• Type: Medium-sized wild cat, shy and predominantly nocturnal

Distribution

• Global: Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, arid regions of Pakistan, and north-western India
• India: Extremely rare; estimated population of ~50 individuals, mainly confined to Rajasthan and Gujarat

Habitat

• Occupies semi-deserts, savannahs, shrublands, steppes, dry forests, and woodlands
• Strong preference for dry areas with low rainfall

Key Physical & Behavioural Features

• Solid build, long legs, short face, and distinctive black ear tufts
• Coat colour ranges from red-tan to sandy, with occasional black individuals
• Dark facial markings near eyes and nose; short, dense fur
• Back legs longer than front, aiding agility
• Exceptional leaper: can jump up to 3 metres (10 feet) to catch birds mid-air
• Speed: up to 80 km/h (50 mph) in short bursts
• Largely nocturnal and elusive, making sightings rare

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List:Least Concern (globally)
• Indian Context: Despite global status, the species is locally threatened due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and very small population size