India’s historic sport of coursing, previously enjoyed by the country’s nobility, utilized two key species: the cheetah and the caracal. Presently, both of these species are on the verge of extinction, despite their past distribution across different regions. Among them, the caracal, a medium-sized cat species, is locally threatened and has been reported to be on the brink of extinction in India.
The Asiatic Caracal: An Overview
The scientific name of the Asiatic caracal is Caracal Caracal Schmitzi, and it is colloquially known by its Persian name Siyahgosh, which translates to ‘black ears’. Geographically, the caracal is predominantly found in the Indian states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, specifically in areas like Kutch, the Malwa Plateau, and the Aravalli hill range. However, their distribution extends beyond India to several countries across Africa, the Middle East, Central, and South Asia.
The Preferred Habitats of Caracal
Caracals thrive in an array of habitats including semi-deserts, steppes, savannah, scrubland, dry forest, and moist woodland or evergreen forest. They have a preference for open terrain and drier, scrubby, and arid habitats but require adequate cover for survival.
Threats to the Caracal Population
Large-scale hunting, illegal trading, and the loss of natural habitats pose significant threats to the caracal species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categorizes the caracal as of ‘Least Concern.’ However, recognizing its endangered status, India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 places it under Schedule I, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) includes it in Appendix I.
Conservation Initiatives for Caracal
The National Board for Wildlife and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change have included the caracal in the list of Critically Endangered species under the critically endangered species recovery programme in 2021. This program is a component of the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH), a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 2008-09. The IDWH aims to support protected areas, wildlife protection outside these areas, and recovery programs for critically endangered species and habitats. Currently, the program caters to 22 species including the Snow Leopard, Bhustard, Dolphin, Hangul, Nilgiri Tahr, Marine Turtles, Dugongs, Edible Nest Swiftlet, Asian Wild Buffalo, Nicobar Megapode, Manipur Brow-antlered Deer, Vultures, Malabar Civet, Indian Rhinoceros, Asiatic Lion, Swamp Deer, Jerdon’s Courser, the Northern River Terrapin, Clouded Leopard, Arabian Sea Humpback Whale, Red Panda, and Caracal.
Understanding the Distribution of Various Species in India
It is crucial to understand the natural distribution of different species in India. For instance, consider a past question from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination that asked candidates to identify naturally found species in India from a given list. The correct answer revealed that the Black-necked crane, flying squirrel, and snow leopard are native to India, while the cheetah went extinct during the pre-independence era due to large-scale hunting. It is important to note such information as this knowledge contributes significantly to informed conservation efforts.
With a focus on endangered species like the caracal, comprehensive strategies can be designed to protect and restore these species’ populations, ensuring the preservation of India’s rich biodiversity.