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Critically Endangered Caracal Spotted in UAE
2 Dec
Summary
- A critically endangered Arabian caracal was captured on a trail camera.
- The sighting occurred in the Wadi Wurayah National Park in the UAE.
- Fewer than 250 mature Arabian caracals are believed to exist in the wild.
Conservationists are celebrating the rare sighting of a critically endangered Arabian caracal within the United Arab Emirates' Wadi Wurayah National Park. Captured on a motion-sensor trail camera, the elusive wildcat's distinctive features were clearly visible as it navigated the rocky terrain. This sighting is particularly significant given the species' precarious status on the UAE National Red List.
The appearance of the Arabian caracal, a primarily nocturnal and highly territorial animal, is a momentous occasion. Documented only a handful of times in recent decades, with previous sightings in March 2023 and 2019, this event provides crucial data for conservation efforts. With an estimated wild population of fewer than 250 mature individuals, each sighting offers vital insights into their survival and habitat.
Native to the UAE's mountains and deserts, Arabian caracals are essential for ecosystem health and prey population regulation. The data gathered will inform future conservation strategies and habitat protection initiatives. Emirates Nature-WWF plans to further engage the public through a documentary on camera trap deployment, encouraging citizen science involvement.
