Rare caracal sighted in Thar Desert, raising conservation hopes

Jaisalmer: Forest officials have confirmed the return of the rare caracal to the Thar Desert near the India-Pakistan border, reviving hopes for the conservation of the elusive and critically endangered species.

Two wildcats — a male and a female — were recorded in the Shahgarh region of Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district using camera traps and radio-collaring. The sighting takes the total number of caracals recorded in the area to three.

Known for its tufted ears and powerful build, the caracal has been largely absent from the Thar landscape in recent decades due to habitat loss and poaching. Officials said the confirmation will help strengthen monitoring and protection measures in the border region. A detailed survey of the area is now being planned.