Elusive caracal caught on camera, renewing conservation efforts

On March 14, 2025, a surprising sight was captured in the heart of Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve in Kota, Rajasthan. A rare and elusive member of the cat family – the caracal – was recorded by a camera trap for the first time in the region.

Rajasthan’s Forest Minister, Sanjay Sharma, shared a photograph of the caracal on social media and said, “On this vibrant day of Holi, the Rajasthan Forest Department is excited to share the first photographic record of the caracal in Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve. The winter Phase IV survey of the tiger reserve recorded this camera trap image of the caracal. The strong protection regime of Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve serves as an umbrella to protect elusive small cats like the caracal.”

The rare sighting has renewed interest in the conservation of the caracal. “All tiger reserves conduct three-spot surveys. The first is a sign survey, second is a transect line survey and the third is camera trapping. This winter was the first time that a Phase IV survey was carried out in the season, and this caracal was recorded,” said Muthu Somasundaram, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) of Mukundra National Park.

Somasundaram notes that the caracal might be dispersing from its nearest...

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