Rajasthan
Asian Caracal
- 19 Nov 2025
- 2 min read
Why in News?
A rare Asian caracal was recently photographed in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan, marking one of the very few confirmed sightings in recent years and raising hope for the survival of the species in India.
Key Points
- About:
- The Asian caracal is a nocturnal and highly elusive wild cat that depends on bush-covered dryland ecosystems for movement, shelter, and hunting.
- Prey:
- It primarily hunts rodents, small mammals, and birds, relying on its agility and preference for low-disturbance arid and semi-arid landscapes.
- Habitat:
- It is globally distributed across Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, inhabiting open, dry ecosystems with sparse vegetation.
- In India, it survives in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, especially in semi-arid scrublands, ravine systems, open grasslands, and dry deciduous forest fringes. Its presence in the Thar Desert region is particularly significant, as sightings are extremely rare and populations are very thinly spread.
- Conservation Status:
- It is classified as Least Concern under the IUCN Red List, based on its wider global distribution.
- The entire Asian population of the Caracal, including the one found in India, is listed under CITES Appendix I. This classification indicates that the species is threatened with extinction, and commercial international trade in specimens is generally prohibited.
- It receives the highest level of legal protection under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Schedule I.
