Context:
Recently, there was a concern regarding the conservation of the Caracal species.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Overview of Caracal
Elusiveness and Behavior
- A primarily nocturnal animal.
- Highly valued for its agility and exceptional skill in catching birds mid-flight.
Names and Identity
- Known as ‘siya gosh’ in India.
- Translates from Persian as ‘black Ear’.
Habitat and Dens
- Prefers abandoned porcupine burrows and rock crevices for maternal dens.
- Can also be found with offspring in dense vegetation.
Distribution
- Primary habitats in India include Kutch, Malwa Plateau, Aravalli hill range, and Bundelkhand region in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.
- Found across several countries in Africa, the Middle East, Central, and South Asia.
Preferred Habitats
- Inhabits woodlands, savannahs, and scrub forests.
Threats to Caracal
- Faces significant threats from large-scale hunting, illegal trading, and habitat loss.
Conservation Status
- Protected under The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I.
-Source: The Hindu
