What is the Arabian caracal?

The Arabian caracal is a critically endangered wild cat species found in the United Arab Emirates, classified as having fewer than 250 mature individuals remaining in the wild.

Where was the Arabian caracal spotted?

The Arabian caracal was rediscovered in Wadi Wurayah National Park, a protected area in the UAE.

How were the Arabian caracal sightings documented?

Citizen scientists participating in a monitoring project, the Notice Nature mapping initiative, scanned motion-activated trail camera footage to document the rare sightings of the Arabian caracal.

Home / Environment / Citizen Scientists Rediscover Critically Endangered Arabian Caracal in UAE

Citizen Scientists Rediscover Critically Endangered Arabian Caracal in UAE

31 Oct

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Summary

Rare Arabian caracal spotted in Wadi Wurayah National Park
Sightings documented by citizen scientists monitoring trail cameras
Caracal classified as Critically Endangered with fewer than 250 mature individuals

Citizen Scientists Rediscover Critically Endangered Arabian Caracal in UAE

In a significant conservation milestone, the critically endangered Arabian caracal (Caracal caracal schmitzi) has been rediscovered in Wadi Wurayah National Park in the United Arab Emirates. This rare sighting was documented by citizen scientists participating in a monitoring project, the Notice Nature mapping initiative, who scanned motion-activated trail camera footage.

Credible sightings of the Arabian caracal had become increasingly rare in recent decades, but the efforts of these volunteer citizen scientists have provided "fresh hope for its survival" in the wild. Trail cameras have been a game-changer for conservationists, enabling continuous monitoring of remote and hard-to-access areas. The advancements in solar-powered batteries and data storage have vastly expanded the capabilities of these trail cameras.