Rare Caracal Spotted in Jaisalmer: Forest Department Launches Monitoring Initiative

Jaisalmer: In a significant development for wildlife conservation, the Rajasthan Forest Department has reported the sighting of a rare caracal in Jaisalmer. Following this discovery, the department has fitted the animal with a radio collar to begin continuous monitoring. Considered one of India’s most elusive species, the caracal—often called the “desert’s small cheetah”—has fewer than 50 known individuals across the country.

Highlights:

• Rare caracal sighted in Jaisalmer
• Monitoring initiated via radio collar
• Known as the “desert’s small cheetah”
• Critical scientific conservation effort

Successful Operation in Shahgarh

A male caracal was safely captured near Ghotaru village under Shahgarh Gram Panchayat and fitted with a radio collar. The entire operation was conducted with extreme care, ensuring no harm came to the animal, before it was released back into its natural habitat.

Expert Team Leads the Effort

The challenging operation was executed on the night of 25 January by a joint team of specialists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the Jaisalmer Forest Department. Officials noted that caracals are highly alert, shy, and fast-moving predators, making sightings extremely rare.

Scientific Monitoring and Data Collection

With the radio collar in place, researchers can now track the caracal’s movements, hunting patterns, and habitat use. The resulting data will provide critical insights for future conservation strategies and ensure evidence-based protection measures.

Why This Initiative Matters

Locally known as ‘Siagosh,’ the caracal is on the brink of extinction in India, found primarily in the limited areas of Kutch and the Thar Desert. Radio telemetry will help identify regions where the species is most active and the threats it faces, including poaching and habitat disturbance.

Protecting Against Threats and Informing Policy

Continuous monitoring will aid in safeguarding caracals from hunters and other potential dangers. The collected data will also guide policymakers in refining conservation measures to ensure the species’ long-term survival.

The “Desert’s Small Cheetah”

Renowned for its remarkable agility and powerful leaps, the caracal can catch birds in mid-air, earning it the nickname “desert’s small cheetah.” Forest officials have identified Ghotaru as a suitable habitat, and following this success, monitoring of additional caracals in the region is planned.