Caracal

19.03.2025

Caracal

For Prelims: About Caracal, Features of the Caracal

Why in the news?

A rare caracal has been recently spotted in Rajasthan's Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, sending waves of excitement among wildlife enthusiasts.

About Caracal:

It is a medium-sized nocturnal wildcat.
In India, it is called siya gosh, a Persian name that translates as ‘black Ear’.
Scientific Name: Caracal caracal

Distribution of the Caracal:

Caracals live on rocky hills or grasslands in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
Their numbers in India have dwindled to an estimated 50, primarily in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Habitat: Caracals are adaptable animals that can live in a variety of environments, including grasslands, savannas, scrublands, and forests.

Features of the Caracal :

They have slender bodies and long legs; they are the largest of the African small cats.
They can weigh between 8-18 kg and can reach up to one meter in length. Males usually weigh more and are bigger than females.
The fur is short and dense and is tawny-brown to reddish-tan in colour with whitish underparts.
Their face is marked with dark lines and white spots around their eyes.
They have large, black pointed ears.
They are distinguished by the ability to capture birds by leaping at least two meters into the air from a standstill.
The caracal can reach speeds of up to 50 mph (80 kph) when in full flight.
They live in small herds and their shy and elusive nature makes them difficult to spot in the wild.

Conservation status:

Source: The Times of India

Consider the following statements regarding Caracal:

1. It is a medium-sized wildcat endemic to South Asia.

2. It is classified as endangered under the IUCN Red List.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only

B.2 only

C.Both 1 and 2

D.Neither 1 nor 2

Answer D

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