Caracal

Caracal Latest News

A rare caracal has been recently spotted in Rajasthan’s Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, sending waves of excitement among wildlife enthusiasts.

About Caracal

• It is a medium-sizednocturnal wildcat.
• In India, it is called siya gosh, a Persian name that translates as ‘black Ear’.
• Scientific Name: Caracal caracal
• Distribution: 
• Caracals live on rocky hills or grasslands in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
• Their numbers in India have dwindled to an estimated 50, primarily in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
• Habitat: Caracals are adaptable animals that can live in a variety of environments, including grasslands, savannas, scrublands, and forests.

Caracal Features

• They have slender bodies and long legs; they are the largest of the African small cats.
• They can weigh between 8-18 kg and can reach up to one meter in length. Males usually weigh more and are bigger than females. 
• The fur is short and dense and is tawny-brown to reddish-tan in colour with whitish underparts. 
• Their face is marked with dark lines and white spots around their eyes.
• It has large, black pointed ears.
• It is distinguished by its ability to capture birds by leaping at least two meters into the air from a standstill.
• The caracal can reach speeds of up to 50 mph (80 kph) when in full flight.
• They live in small herds. and their shy and elusive nature makes them difficult to spot in the wild.
• Caracal Conservation status: 
  • IUCN Red List: Least concern
  • The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

Caracal FAQs

Q1. What is the IUCN status of caracal?

Ans. Least concern

Q2. What is the Indian name for caracal?

Ans. In India, it is called siya gosh, a Persian name that translates as ‘black Ear’.

Q3. Where can I see caracal in India?

Ans. In India, only two populations of the caracal remain in Kutch, Gujarat and in Ranthambhore, Rajasthan.

Source: NDTV