Wildlife enthusiasts were overjoyed as a rare caracal was spotted on camera for the first time in Rajasthan’s Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve. The critically endangered wild cat turned up during the reserve’s Phase IV survey, which is a major find for conservation. Rajasthan’s Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma referred to it as a “Holi surprise” in an X post, hailing the tireless efforts of forest personnel in protecting the wildlife of the area.
On this vibrant day of Holi, Rajasthan forest department is excited to share the first photographic record of Caracal in Mukundra hills Tiger Reserve. The winter Phase IV survey of the tiger reserve recorded this camera trap image of Caracal. The strong protection regime of Mukundra hills tiger reserve serves as an umbrella to protect elusive small cats like the Caracal. Credit to the field staff who protect these habitats sincerely despite festivals or holidays.” Sharma wrote.
On this vibrant day of Holi, Rajasthan forest department is excited to share the first photographic record of Caracal in Mukundra hills Tiger Reserve.
The winter Phase IV survey of the tiger reserve recorded this camera trap image of Caracal. The strong protection regime of… pic.twitter.com/HqplxM5vCb
— Sanjay Sharma (@Sanjay4India1) March 14, 2025
Social media users welcomed the move with open arms, with one person writing, “A wonderful news, congratulations forest department. Happy Holi.” Another observed, “That’s a really nice and healthy-looking one. Hats off to the field staff for their consistent efforts and dedication come rain or shine.” Others emphasized the importance of conservation, with one user writing, “Yes caracal conservation is a must, hope breeding centres for caracal are established too.”
This is not the first recent caracal sighting in Rajasthan. Two more were recently seen in the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve. After these sightings, the state forest department has gone to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun to undertake a specialized study on this rare species.
Also referred to locally as siyalghosh, the caracal is India’s rarest wild cat. IFS officer Parveen Kaswan posted the image, referring to it as “a pic to behold.” Posting, “Pic to behold. You are seeing Caracal, caught in a camera trap in Mukundra Hill reserve. A lovely but critically endangered wild cat species, also known as Siyalghosh. Just a few adults are found in India. So this pic will delight wildlife lovers. Pc Raj FD.”
Caracals, with their black tufts of ears and excellent hunting prowess, are mostly found in Africa, the Middle East, and India. Their population in India, though, has heavily reduced and is left with just about 50 individuals, mostly in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
