Caracal Sighting In Madhya Pradesh
The rare caracal has been captured on camera inside the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. This is the first confirmed sighting in the state in nearly 20 years. The discovery is linked to ongoing conservation efforts under Project Cheetah. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and Madhya Pradesh forest department have been monitoring wildlife in the area since 2023. The sighting offers hope for the revival of threatened species in the region.
Project Cheetah and Wildlife Monitoring
Project Cheetah began monitoring cheetahs, prey, and other predators in the Gandhi Sagar landscape in 2023. Camera traps were set up in the fenced Cheetah Closed Natural Area to track animal movement. The project aims to restore habitat and improve biodiversity. The caracal photographs were obtained from the Golabavdi beat in the West Range of the sanctuary. This marks the first confirmed presence of caracals since monitoring started.
About the Caracal
Caracals (Caracal caracal) are medium-sized wild cats native to Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of India. They are nocturnal and solitary hunters. Known for distinctive black ear tufts, they are agile and can leap high to catch birds mid-flight. Caracals prefer dry scrublands, semi-arid zones, and moist woodlands. They face threats from habitat loss and human encroachment. In India, they are listed as threatened under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Conservation Challenges and Efforts
Caracals have been critically endangered in India due to low population and fragmented habitats. Past attempts to locate them in Madhya Pradesh, including a 2019 statewide search, yielded no confirmed sightings. Confusion with similar species like jungle cats complicated efforts. The 2023 plan to reintroduce caracals in the Gwalior region reflects renewed commitment. The current sighting is an encouraging sign for conservationists working to protect the species.
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