Home / Environment / Rajasthan Wildlife Initiative Targets Rare Caracal
Rajasthan Wildlife Initiative Targets Rare Caracal
3 Jun
Summary
- Project Caracal initiated to study and conserve rare cats in Rajasthan.
- Collaboration includes wildlife institutes, forest department, and NGO.
- Study spans four tiger reserves, focusing on caracal ecology and threats.
Rajasthan has initiated 'Project Caracal,' a vital 18-month study aimed at understanding and conserving the state's rare caracal population. The project, launched recently, is a collaborative effort involving the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, the Wildlife Institute of India, the Rajasthan Forest Department, and the NGO Tiger Watch.
The research will be conducted across Ranthambore, Dholpur-Karauli, Ramgarh Vishdhari, and Mukundra Hills tiger reserves, along with adjacent areas like Bandh Baretha. Scientists will investigate the caracal's feeding habits, habitat utilization, and the threats contributing to its declining numbers.
This initiative also prioritizes community engagement, planning workshops and educational materials for schoolchildren and local residents. Conservation strategies will be informed by data gathered through camera trapping and field surveys, assessing the species' presence, movement, and habitat preferences.
Conservationists note that caracal populations in India are estimated to be fewer than 100 individuals, with Rajasthan and Gujarat being their primary habitats. Rapid land-use changes and human activities pose significant threats to their survival, making this project crucial for the species' future.
